The Sandman Then and Now

The Sandman Then

James Fullington, better known by his wrestling persona “The Sandman,” was born on June 16, 1963, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Growing up in the gritty environment of Philadelphia, Fullington’s later wrestling style would reflect the rough and tough attitude of his hometown. 

His early experiences and surroundings shaped the raw and rebellious character he would eventually embody in the ring. 

Wrestling was not an immediate path for Fullington, but the blue-collar ethos of Philadelphia was deeply ingrained in him, which played a role in his eventual transition to one of wrestling’s most hardcore personas. 

Before adopting his signature role in professional wrestling, Fullington led an ordinary life, working various jobs to make ends meet, yet it was clear early on that he had the attitude and spirit to succeed in the world of professional wrestling.

The Sandman Wrestling Career

James Fullington began his professional wrestling career in the early 1990s, starting in the Philadelphia-based Tri-State Wrestling Alliance under the name “Mr. Sandman.” 

Managed by his then-wife, Peaches, he quickly made a name for himself in the local wrestling scene. 

His big break came in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1994 when ECW owner Tod Gordon suggested that Fullington channel his real-life persona into his wrestling character. 

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The result was an edgier, more rebellious version of Sandman, known for his beer-chugging, cigarette-smoking, and hardcore wrestling style.

Sandman’s career skyrocketed as he became synonymous with ECW’s hardcore wrestling identity. 

He was known for his brutal matches, which often involved the use of weapons like Singapore canes and tables. 

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His feuds with notable wrestlers such as Tommy Cairo, Shane Douglas, and Sabu became iconic in ECW history. 

Over the years, Sandman won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship five times and had memorable feuds with ECW legends like Tommy Dreamer and Raven. 

Sandman’s career also saw him venture into other promotions like WCW, TNA, and even WWE, maintaining his reputation as one of the toughest and most unpredictable wrestlers in the business.

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The Sandman Wrestling Competition

• Tri-State Wrestling Alliance (TWA)
• Memphis Wrestling (1991–1992)
• Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
  • ECW World Heavyweight Championship (5 times)
  • ECW World Tag Team Championship (1 time)
• World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
  • 1996 In Your House: Mind Games (appeared)
  • WWF Raw (1997)
  • ECW One Night Stand (2005, 2006)
• World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
  • WCW Hardcore Division (1998–1999)
  • Uncensored 1999
  • Spring Stampede 1999
  • The Great American Bash 1999
  • Bash at the Beach 1999
• Xtreme Pro Wrestling (XPW)
  • XPW King of the Deathmatch Championship (2002)
  • XPW Cold Day in Hell (2008)
• NWA Total Nonstop Action (NWA/TNA)
  • TNA Hard 10 Tournament Winner (2003)
• International Wrestling Cartel (IWC)
  • IWC Heavyweight Championship (2007)
• Firestorm Pro Wrestling
• All Entertainment Action Wrestling (AEAW)
  • AEAW American Heavyweight Championship (2008)
  • AEAW Hardcore Wrestling Championship (2008)
• 3PW (Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling)

The Sandman Wife and Children

The Sandman, a well-known professional wrestler renowned for his gritty persona and signature entrance music, was married to Lori Fullington. The couple shares three children: Kelly, born in 1987; Tyler, born in 1989; and Austin Oliver, born in 1998. 

Tyler, following in his father’s footsteps, made a notable appearance in the ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) storyline involving The Sandman and Raven. 

His involvement was a significant moment, showcasing the family’s connection to the wrestling world.

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The Sandman Now

As of now, The Sandman, real name James Fullington, is 61 years old and is regarded as a semi-retired American professional wrestler. 

Best known for his iconic role in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), The Sandman was one of the pioneering figures of the “hardcore” wrestling style, cementing himself as a fan favorite by embracing a rebellious persona. 

His character, infamous for smoking and drinking while making his entrance to the ring, captured the chaotic spirit of ECW during the 1990s. 

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He held the ECW World Heavyweight Championship five times, a record that still stands, solidifying his place as a “Hardcore Icon.”

In addition to his prominent role in ECW, The Sandman also had memorable runs in other major wrestling promotions. 

His time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) added to his legacy as a well-rounded performer. 

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Although his time in these companies didn’t reach the same heights as his ECW run, it showcased his adaptability and wide appeal across different audiences.

Now semi-retired, The Sandman occasionally appears at independent wrestling events and fan conventions. 

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He is known for embracing his hardcore legacy and making sporadic in-ring appearances where he relives the iconic moments of his career. 

Despite stepping away from full-time competition, The Sandman remains a beloved figure in the wrestling world, with his contributions to the hardcore style and ECW’s legacy continuing to influence future generations of wrestlers.

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