How TNA Wrestling's Shark Boy Became A Stone Cold Impersonator, Explained

Imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery, but that sentiment isn't necessarily true all the time in the world of professional wrestling. From the likes of Gillberg and the 'Billionaire Ted' segments designed to provoke and annoy, to the likes of 'Axelmania' done in good spirit, impersonation can have a multitude of intents. But, perhaps the best impersonator of all came from the golden age of TNA Wrestling.

Mean-spirited mimics always fall flat, but those done out of admiration can hit in a big way. For a good impersonator gimmick to be done right, it requires a number of factors to all come together. It needs a performer to commit to the act wholeheartedly, a concerted effort in all aspects of presentation, and a done with respect to the original character they're representing. This formula is what made 'Stone Cold' Shark Boy so great.

RELATED: That Time Abyss Got Magical Powers From Hulk Hogan’s Ring In TNA, Explained

Shark Boy Was An Already Established Talent

First going by the name 'El Piranha', Shark Boy made his professional debut in 1997 for Les Thatcher's Heartland Wrestling Association, and quickly found himself darting around the independent scene and growing a dedicated fanbase. Debuting the 'Shark Boy' character in IWA: Mid-South, his first television appearances came by way of reality TV, most notably in MTV's True Life: I'm a Professional Wrestler. Inside the ring, he gained acclaim through his performance at the 1999 Brian Pillman Memorial Show, which led to him getting a call from Atlanta.

Shark Boy signed with World Championship Wrestling in 1999, and after a few appearances on WCW Saturday Night, was released in early 2000. He soon found himself competing for World Wrestling All-Stars, an Australian-based promotion that later led to the creation of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Shark Boy first joined TNA during its early days airing weekly pay-per-views and became a founding member of the company's X-Division.

The Shark Boy character would gain a steady following in TNA, his aquatic-themed gimmick and in-ring ability making him a reliable member of the roster during their first few years. A fairly regular face on television, Shark Boy underwent a huge character shift in 2008 after multiple beatdowns led to a storyline where he slipped into a coma...

RELATED: Don West & Mike Tenay: The TNA Commentary Team That Needs More Respect

Shark Boy Becomes 'Stone Cold'

On a January episode of IMPACT!, a segment sees Jeremy Borash at the home of Shark Boy, where the luchador is bedridden with a neck brace and a bandage over his head. His weeping family is bedside, all weeping, and all wearing Shark Boy masks. Borash introduces the audience to Dr. Fishman and Nurse Bass, attending to the injured wrestler. Eric Young appears as a friend of Shark Boy, encouraging his unconscious companion to fight like all the great fish have, listing the likes of Nemo, SpongeBob, and Jaws. Young then fumbles to get Shark Boy a drink of water, and the glass shatters. Shark Boy suddenly wakes up, and the previously silent masked man says his first words, in a very thick Texan accent. Thus, 'Stone Cold' Shark Boy was born.

As this new 'Stone Cold' character, the genius came from mixing it with the existing fish-based gimmick that was Shark Boy. Using the Stunner as his new finisher, it was rechristened the 'Chummer'. When speaking to the crowd and cutting promos, Shark Boy would ask for a 'Shell Yeah!' and affirmed that whatever he proclaimed was 'the finishing line, because Shark Boy said so'. On top of that, his entrance music was changed to be a straight-up cover of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's classic theme song, even adding the iconic leather vest to his gear. Instead of swigging on beer, Shark Boy's drink of choice was either a clam juice or a cold bottle of water.

RELATED: A Look Back At Mick Foley’s Forgotten TNA Run

It's this level of dedication that made the 'Stone Cold' Shark Boy character work so well. Had TNA or Shark Boy himself gone into this idea with any less enthusiasm, it probably would have floundered. The clear dedication allowed the TNA fanbase to properly invest and support the new direction. It's abundantly obvious when a wrestler isn't having a good time with their creative direction, and it's then hard for an audience to connect. The 'Stone Cold' impersonation didn't propel Shark Boy into the main event scene, but it undoubtedly prolonged his longevity. After his run with TNA was over, he still made one-off appearances at reunion shows and One Night Only pay-per-views, even making occasional appearances on the independents as 'Stone Cold' Shark Boy.

Perhaps the biggest sign that the 'Stone Cold' Shark Boy gimmick was a success was the stamp of approval it got from the man himself. Interviews have revealed how upon the character's debut, Kevin Nash called Austin, telling him to watch, who in turn replied saying that he loved it. In the years since, Austin has said multiple times how he enjoyed the Shark Boy character and was totally fine with Shark Boy doing it on TV. What better seal of approval is there than both the man being impersonated and the biggest star the industry has ever seen?