Sam Houston Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 31, 2024
Sam Houston Then
Sam Houston, born on October 11, 1963, in Tampa, Florida, grew up in a family deeply rooted in professional wrestling.
His father, Grizzly Smith, was a well-known wrestler, and his siblings followed in his footsteps.
His half-brother, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and his younger sister, Rockin’ Robin, also carved out their own paths in the wrestling world.
This wrestling legacy profoundly influenced Houston’s early life, leading him to pursue a career in the sport from a young age.
Sam Houston Wrestling Career
Houston began his wrestling career in 1983 with Championship Wrestling from Florida, where he initially made a name for himself with his signature move, the bulldog.
His early matches included significant bouts against established wrestlers such as Buddy Landel and Ric Flair.
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Houston’s career gained momentum when he joined Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling in 1985, where he was positioned as a protégé of stars like Dusty Rhodes and Magnum T.A.
His feud with the Four Horsemen, particularly Tully Blanchard and the Andersons, marked a pivotal moment in his career.
Houston’s career continued to evolve as he moved through various wrestling promotions, including a notable stint in the WWF starting in 1987, where he participated in events like the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania IV.
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Despite a series of ups and downs, including a prominent loss to Bam-Bam Bigelow and various feuds, Houston made a mark with his appearances in high-profile events and television broadcasts.
After leaving the WWF, Houston briefly joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later wrestled in the United States Wrestling Association and Global Wrestling Federation.
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He experienced a resurgence in the 2000s, returning to the independent circuit and continuing to compete and train new wrestlers.
His career, marked by both triumphs and challenges, reflects his enduring passion for the sport and his ability to adapt to different wrestling environments.
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Sam Houston Wrestling Competition
- Championship Wrestling from Florida
- Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling
- Central States Wrestling
- Universal Wrestling Federation
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- United States Wrestling Association (USWA)
- Global Wrestling Federation (GWF)
- Independent Circuit
- GWE (Global Wrestling Entertainment)
- OWE (Overseas Wrestling Entertainment)
- PWA (Pro Wrestling Alliance)
Sam Houston’s Wife and Children
After departing from the NWA, Sam Houston’s personal life took a significant turn when he began dating Nickla Roberts, widely recognized in the wrestling world as Baby Doll.
Their relationship, which began amid Houston’s wrestling career, culminated in marriage on July 30, 1986, in Lubbock, Texas. Together, they had two daughters: Mikala Joy and Mikka Tyler Smith.
Roberts decided to step away from her wrestling career to focus on raising their children. Unfortunately, the marriage faced challenges, and Roberts and Houston divorced in 1994.
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Roberts cited Houston’s desire to be “the life of the party” as a contributing factor to their separation.
Following his divorce, Houston found a new chapter in his personal life with Kimberly Austin. The couple is married and has a stepdaughter named Makayla.
Houston’s family life with Austin represents a fresh start and a more stable phase in his life after his previous marriage.
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Sam Houston Now
As of now, Sam Houston is 60 years old and is recognized as a semi-retired American professional wrestler.
Known by his ring name, Sam Houston, and his real name, Michael Maurice Smith, he remains a respected figure in the wrestling community.
Houston is best remembered for his time with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1987 to 1991, where he made significant contributions and established a strong presence in the wrestling world.
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Although he has stepped back from full-time competition, Houston continues to be involved in the wrestling industry through appearances on the independent circuit and by mentoring younger wrestlers.
His career, marked by memorable feuds and high-profile matches, has left a lasting impact, and he is celebrated for his contributions to professional wrestling.
Houston’s legacy is underscored by his enduring influence and his continued engagement with the wrestling community, even as he enjoys a more subdued role in the sport.
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FAQs
As of now, Sam Houston is semi-retired but still active in the independent wrestling circuit.
He occasionally competes and continues to engage with fans and fellow wrestlers, showcasing his enduring passion for the sport.
In Texas, Sam Houston, born Michael Maurice Smith, is known for his professional wrestling career. He gained prominence through his work with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1987 to 1991.
Beyond wrestling, he is recognized for his contributions to the local wrestling scene and his ongoing involvement in training and mentoring young wrestlers.