Steve Blackman Then and Now

Steve Blackman Then

Steve Blackman was born on September 28, 1963, in Annville, Pennsylvania, USA. 

Before his wrestling career, Blackman was deeply involved in bodybuilding and weightlifting, building a strong foundation of physical fitness. 

His early athletic pursuits showcased his dedication to maintaining a well-conditioned physique, something that would later contribute to his in-ring style and persona. 

Blackman’s focus on bodybuilding and weightlifting also helped him develop the muscle mass and strength necessary for professional wrestling. 

His martial arts training, which included escrima and tae kwon do, would later become central elements of his wrestling persona.

Steve Blackman Wrestling Career

Steve Blackman entered the world of professional wrestling in 1986, training under Tony Altamore in Connecticut. 

He initially wrestled in smaller promotions, including Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, Canada. 

Blackman gained valuable international experience early in his career, including a stint in New Japan Pro-Wrestling during the 1988 New Year Golden Series. 

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In these early years, Blackman faced top Japanese talents like Tatsumi Fujinami and Riki Choshu. 

However, his career faced a major setback in 1989 when he contracted malaria and dysentery while wrestling in South Africa, which left him bedridden for two years. 

After recovering and spending several more years in rehabilitation, Blackman made a comeback in the mid-1990s, eventually re-entering the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1997.

In his second WWF run, Blackman debuted with the gimmick of “The Lethal Weapon,” incorporating martial arts into his in-ring style. 

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His early feuds and matches, including pay-per-view appearances and an undefeated streak, helped establish him as a solid competitor. 

His partnership with Ken Shamrock and his participation in the Hardcore Championship division further solidified his reputation as a dangerous competitor. 

Blackman’s hardcore matches were particularly notable for his use of martial arts weapons, which became a trademark of his character. 

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He eventually became a multi-time Hardcore Champion, known for his ability to fend off surprise attacks.

Despite his serious persona, Blackman also showed a comedic side during his time teaming with Al Snow as part of the tag team “Head Cheese,” offering a contrast to his typically stoic demeanor. 

Blackman continued to wrestle until the early 2000s, stepping away from the ring after a final WWE appearance in 2007.

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Steve Blackman Wrestling Competition

• World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
  • House shows (1988-1989)
  • WWF Superstars (1988)
  • Survivor Series (1997)
  • Royal Rumble (1998)
  • Unforgiven: In Your House (1998)
  • WWF Brawl for All (1998)
  • WWF Intercontinental Championship tournament (1998)
  • WWF Capital Carnage (1998)
  • King of the Ring (1999)
  • Fully Loaded (1999)
  • SummerSlam (1999)
  • WWF European Championship match (1999)
  • Unforgiven (1999)
  • WrestleMania 2000 (2000)
  • WWF Hardcore Championship matches (2000)
  • SummerSlam (2000)
  • Unforgiven (2000)
  • WWF Hardcore Championship defense matches (2000-2001)
  • Raw (June 25, 2001)
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
  • New Year Golden Series (1988)
• Stampede Wrestling
  • Various matches (1986-1989)
• Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA)
  • Developmental Territory matches (2001)
• World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW)
  • One-night appearance (September 4, 2004)
• WWE Raw 15th Anniversary Special
  • Battle royal (2007)

Steve Blackman Now

At 60 years old, Steve Blackman, also known by his wrestling nickname “The Lethal Weapon,” has continued his passion for martial arts beyond his days as a professional wrestler. 

Best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1997 to 2002, Blackman became a fan favorite for his disciplined and intense fighting style. 

A skilled martial artist, he often incorporated escrima sticks and other martial arts techniques into his matches, making him a standout competitor.

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At the same time, he was challenged for several mid-card titles, and his persona as a no-nonsense fighter left a lasting impression on wrestling fans.

Today, Blackman channels his wealth of experience into teaching the next generation of fighters. 

He runs his own MMA school, where students are trained in various forms of combat, ranging from wrestling to jiu-jitsu. 

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Blackman’s deep understanding of martial arts, combined with his years of experience in professional wrestling, has enabled him to mentor and train aspiring fighters. 

Additionally, Blackman operates the Pennsylvania Fighting Championships, an organization that showcases local and regional talent in mixed martial arts competitions. 

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Through this platform, Blackman has worked with hundreds of fighters, sharing his expertise and helping to shape their careers in the competitive world of MMA. 

His ongoing contributions to martial arts and combat sports reflect the same dedication and toughness that earned him the moniker “The Lethal Weapon.”

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