Scotty 2 Hotty Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 11, 2024
Scotty 2 Hotty Then
Scott Ronald Garland, better known as Scotty 2 Hotty, was born on July 2, 1973, in Westbrook, Maine, United States.
From a young age, Garland showed a keen interest in professional wrestling.
At around 14 or 15 years old, he took the initiative to reach out to Sue Aitchison, the Community Relations Specialist at the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), seeking advice on how to pursue a career in wrestling.
Although Aitchison informed him that the WWF did not recruit from any particular school, her response did not deter Garland.
Determined to break into the industry, Garland began attending WWF shows at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine, where he helped the ring crew set up.
His dedication caught the eye of an independent promoter who offered him a chance to wrestle.
Garland’s first match took place on November 23, 1989, against Steve Ramsey at a Portland armory, the same night as the WWF Survivor Series event.
This early exposure helped Garland build a foundation for his wrestling career.
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Scotty 2 Hotty Wrestling Career
Garland’s wrestling career began to gain momentum in 1991 when he was introduced to the WWF by fellow wrestler Phil Apollo.
Making his debut in October 1991 while still in high school, Garland initially performed under the ring name “Scott Taylor.”
Over the next few years, he appeared sporadically as an enhancement talent, often losing to established wrestlers. Despite these early challenges, Garland’s perseverance paid off.
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In 1997, after signing with the WWF, he began wrestling in the Light Heavyweight division under his original ring name.
It was during this period that Garland formed a significant partnership with Brian Christopher, initially as “Too Much” and later as “Too Cool” with Rikishi.
This new persona, featuring breakdancing and hip-hop elements, helped him gain popularity.
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Scotty 2 Hotty’s career included notable achievements such as winning the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship in 2000 and the WWE Tag Team Championship with Rikishi.
Following injuries and a brief departure, Garland returned to the ring, eventually transitioning to a role as a trainer at WWE’s Performance Center in 2016.
After leaving WWE in 2021, he continued to make sporadic appearances on the independent circuit and trained wrestlers internationally, marking the evolution of his career from a young enthusiast to a respected industry veteran.
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Scotty 2 Hotty Wrestling Competition
- Independent Circuit
- New England Wrestling (NEW)
- Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
- International Wrestling Association (IWA)
- Various promotions in the UK, Ireland, Norway, and Japan
- World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E)
- Enhancement Talent
- Light Heavyweight Division
- Tag Team Division (with Too Sexy, Too Cool, and Rikishi)
- WWF Light Heavyweight Champion
- WWE Tag Team Champion
- Game Changer Wrestling (GCW)
- Die For This Pay-Per-View
Scotty 2 Hotty Now
At 51 years old, Scott Ronald Garland, known to fans as Scotty 2 Hotty, remains a notable figure in the wrestling world.
Best known for his energetic performances and distinctive ring personas, including “Too Hot” Scott Taylor and Scotty 2 Hotty, Garland’s impact on professional wrestling has been significant.
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His career with the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) was marked by memorable tag team successes and his iconic breakdancing moves, which helped solidify his place in wrestling history.
In recent developments, Garland has transitioned to a new role within the industry.
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On January 11, 2024, he announced on the AEW Unrestricted podcast that he had signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a producer and coach.
This move represents a new chapter in Garland’s career, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience and knowledge to mentor the next generation of wrestlers.
His role at AEW highlights his ongoing commitment to the sport and his desire to contribute to its growth and evolution.
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FAQs
Scotty 2 Hotty, whose real name is Scott Garland, has transitioned from an active wrestler to a producer and coach. He revealed in January 2024 that he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in this new role.
Scotty 2 Hotty’s most famous tag team partner was Brian Christopher, with whom he formed the popular tag team “Too Cool.”
Scotty 2 Hotty is best known for his time with WWF/E, where he gained fame for his high-energy persona, breakdancing moves, and success as part of the “Too Cool” tag team.
Scotty 2 Hotty currently works as a producer and coach for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he helps train and mentor young wrestlers.
Scotty 2 Hotty’s second significant tag team partner was Rikishi, with whom he formed a successful trio alongside Brian Christopher.
Scotty 2 Hotty has trained various wrestlers at the WWE Performance Center and continues to work with emerging talent in his role at AEW.