John Williams
American professional wrestler and promoter, widely recognized under his ring name Ian Rotten, founder of the influential IWA Mid-South promotion.
John Williams - Personal Information
- Name: John Williams
- Date of Birth: June 1, 1970
- Place of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Gender: Male
- Job Title: Actor
- Crew Jobs: Director, Writer
Biography
John Benson Williams is an American professional wrestler better known by his ring name Ian Rotten. He has wrestled in the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), the United States Wrestling Association (USWA), and his own wrestling promotion IWA: Mid-South.
After becoming a fan of Dusty Rhodes and "Superstar" Billy Graham while growing up in Florida and Baltimore, Maryland, John Williams began his career under the name Johnny Lawler, the storyline illegitimate son of Jerry "The King" Lawler. After a short stint as hockey gimmick Zach Blades, Williams went to wrestle in the Global Wrestling Federation. In GWF, Williams formed The Bad Breed, a tag team with Brian Knighton as brothers Ian and Axl Rotten, respectively. They defeated the Texas Mustangs (Bobby Duncum, Jr. & Johnny Hawk) for the GWF Tag Team Championship in January 1993, losing the titles shortly thereafter.
In June 1994 in Extreme Championship Wrestling, The Bad Breed started a feud with The Public Enemy over the ECW Tag Team Championship, but never won the title. The Rotten brothers briefly feuded with each other prior to Williams' termination from ECW in late 1995. He moved to Kentucky, where he started a wrestling hotline followed by the IWA Mid-South promotion in early 1996. IWA was controversial for its use of violent and bloody hardcore wrestling. In 2008, IWA and Williams were investigated by Indiana State Police over the violence in their shows. In 2011, IWA shut down and was restarted by a third party, with Williams making occasional appearances.
Williams is the father of John Calvin Glenn, known also by the ring name of J.C. Rotten.
Selected Filmography
A look at ten notable screen appearances across John Williams' career in wrestling media and film.
- Crispy's Curse (2017) as Forensic Officer / Reporter / Clown
- Mr Wrestling: The Kevin Steen Story (2012) as Ian Rotten
- WWE: Blood Sport ECW - The Most Violent Matches (2006) as Ian Rotten
- ECW: Bloodsport The Most Violent Matches (2006) as Ian Rotten
- Hardcore Homecoming: November Reign (2005) as Ian Rotten
- Hardcore Homecoming (2005) as Ian Rotten
- UXW Chris Candido Memorial Show (2005) as Ian Rotten
- IWA Mid-South Ted Petty Invitational 2003 - Night 2 (2004) as Ian Rotten
- 3PW A Funkin' Classic (2003) as Ian Rotten
- IWA-MS When Hero Met Punk (2003) as Ian Rotten
External Links
Explore further information about John Williams through these authoritative sources.