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NEWS AND REVIEWS

RICO TO RETURN TO OVW FOR SIX FLAGS SHOW!

Rico will make his return to Ohio Valley Wrestling along with third generation Superstar randy Orton on June 28th at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom to take on the Revolution, Machine and Damaja with Queen Victoria! The Revolution has been the thorn in OVW commentator Jim Cornette and owner Danny Davis's side for quite some time now. Despite repeated attempts to rid OVW of the plague that Doug Basham has created, the Revolution seems firmly planted with their newly awarded WWE contracts. They need alot more than "style tips" from Rico...perhaps a kick to the face! Check back for news on the match as well as exclusive pics!

PLEA TO NET REPORTERS! Rico's name is spelled C-o-s-t-a-n-t-i-n-o. I know, it's a mouthful... but imagine learning to spell THAT in kindergarten!

Smackdown, 4/25/02

Backstage, Billy is getting a rub down from Chuck. Rico shows Chuck how to do it properly. Tajiri and Torrie walk in. Billy congratulates Tajiri on beating Kidman. Rico tells Torrie her new look is not working for her, especially if they will have to tag with them tonight against Kidman, Snow, and Maven. The outfit is fine but maybe it's the person wearing it. Rico says her forehead is much too high. Rico tries to give her a Billy and Chuck bandana. Tajiri takes it and puts it on his head. Everyone is happy, except Torrie, and they leave to the ring.
Maven, Al Snow, and Billy Kidman vs Billy, Chuck, and Tajiri w/ Rico and Torrie Wilson Kidman with a headscissors takeover on Chuck. maven clotheslines Chuck followed by a dropkick. Billy clotheslines Maven. Triple team on Maven. Billy hits Maven with the fameasser, Snow makes the save. Torrie slaps Rico. Tajiri talks with Torrie while Billy and Chuck talk with Rico. Back in the ring Kidman hits Billy with a tornado ddt. Chuck superkicks Kidman. Snow backdrops Chuck. Maven dropkicks Tajiri out of the ring. Maven and Snow pull down Billy and Chuck's shorts exposing their thongs. Billy and Chuck run to the back. Torrie pulls down Rico's pants exposing his thong. Rico runs to the back. Back in the ring Kidman hits Tajiri with the shooting star press for the pin. After the match, Maven and Snow put on Billy and Chuck's shorts and act gay. Winners: Maven, Al Snow, and Billy Kidman

RICO'S PPV DEBUT!

April 21st, 2002 marked Rico's first pay per view at Backlash! For us die hard OVW fans, it also marked the first nationwide "Shush!" As an intregal part of Rico's "Role Model" gimmick, and a trademark that echoes through Davis Arena to this day, it was exciting to see him use his patented, arrogant "Shush!" ( see Rico's official site at RicoCostantino.com for an article by yours truly on the power of said shush!) Rico helped his team, Billy and Chuck retain their tag team titles in the match preceeding the main event at backlash. Not too bad for a first pay per view appearance! Wrestlemania next year? Not too outlandish a thought when you consider his spectacular success of late!
Smackdown 4/17/02
Billy and Chuck w/Rico and Albert vs Rikishi, Al Snow, and Maven
Rikishi and Albert stare at each other. Chuck attacks Snow from behind to start the match. Snow with an inverted atomic drop on Chuck. Maven and Snow double team Chuck. Chuck clotheslines Snow. Albert with a hard irish whip on Snow. Albert with a double underhook into a powerslam on Snow for a two count. Billy kicks Snow down in the corner. Snow clotheslines Billy. Rikishi and Billy trade punches. Rikishi powerslams Chuck. Rikishi cleans house and pulls Rico into the ring. Albert kicks Rikishi in the face, Chuck gets a two count. Albert powerslams Rikishi. Riksihi with a fall away slam on Albert. Maven tagged in and cleans house on Billy and Chuck. Billy hits Maven with the fameaser. Snow pulls Maven out of the ring. Snow with a powerbomb on Chuck. Rico hits the ring and superkicks Snow. maven hits Chuck with a top rope crossbody for the pin. Winners: Rikishi, Al Snow, and Maven
Smackdown 4/10/02
Chuck w/ Rico and Billy vs Al Snow w/ Maven
Punches by Chuck. Al with a crossbody. Clothesline by Al. Chuck kicks Al down in the corner. Chuck with two overhead belly to belly suplexes for a two count. Al with repeated headbutts followed by a clothesline. Backdrop by Al. Al goes for the snow plow but Billy pulls Al's leg making Chuck fall on Al for a two count. LordsofPain.net. Maven chases Rico through the crowd. Superkick by Chuck for a two count. Al hits the snowplow for the pin. Billy tried to break the count but Maven prevented him from entering the ring. Al mocks Rico on his way up the ramp. Winner: Al Snow
Eighth Match
Tag Team Title Match
Billy & Chuck w/ Rico vs. Rikishi & Hurricane
This was a pretty good match I guess. I like Billy & Chuck's gimmick quite a bit, and I think they are really getting over as heels. Hurricane looked pretty decent for some reason tonight and the crowd was really behind him. Sometime during the match the ref had his back turned and Rico (Billy and Chuck's stylist) gave Hurricane a clothesline from hell similar to Bradshaw's, and chuck ended up pinning him for the win. Afterwards both Rikishi and Hurricane gave Rico a stinkface, much to the delight of the audience.Winner: Billy and Chuck

RICO'S WWF.COM PROFILE!

It's offical...he's a bona fide WWF Superstar! This is how the WWF.com Superstar BIO reads:
Rico
Height: 6'
Weight: 228
From: Las Vegas
Member of: SmackDown!
Prior to signing his Federation contract, Costantino worked as a police officer, an American Gladiator, a bodyguard, paramedic and he even toured with a Christian motivational group that used unique displays of strength to illustrate their message. He emerged in the Federation as the man responsible for making sure Billy and Chuck look stylish whenever they head to the ring. But there's more to Rico than just looks. He's a threat inside the ring with his fast-paced, agile offense.
Being a stylist is a rather unique role among current Federation personalities. Rico is anxious to see how his new persona evolves, knowing full well that his hardest work still awaits.
WWF Smackdown/Heat taping results from Philadelphia 3/26
Dudley Boys vs. Billy & Chuck (c) [Tag-Titles] The two teams come out to their entrance music. Rico Costantino comes out with Billy & Chuck as usual. Rico continues to try and get involved in the match a lot. When it was all said and done, Billy Gunn pinned Buh-Buh Ray Dudley after hitting the fameasser for the 1-2-3.
Winners: Billy & Chuck
After the match, Buh-Buh tells D-Von to get the tables and they put one of the members of Billy/Chuck/Rico through a table and leave. Billy & Chuck are still the tag-team champions. The Dudley Boys are still split between the two rosters, and just finished their last match as a tag-team together.

From the 3/22/02 Ross Report!

Rico, "the Stylist," debuted with the Tag Team Champions on SmackDown!, and really fits in well with that duo. I predict these three will become very entertaining, and certainly Rico is deserving of this opportunity. Excellent creative.

RICO SPEAKS ON WWF.COM!

Costantino brings his style to the Federation

by Matt Duda

MONTREAL - This past week of World Wrestling Federation television saw two athletes debut in starkly contrasting fashion. During RAW, the monstrous Brock Lesnar tore through the crowd and to the ring where he stepped up and dominated Maven, Spike Dudley and Al Snow.On SmackDown!, Federation fans were introduced to a performer who had just as much of an impact, but did so in a much more stylish manor. After two and a half years of training in Ohio Valley Wrestling, Rico Costantino emerged in the Federation as the stylist of the Federation Tag Team Champions, Billy and Chuck."I loved it," Costantino told WWF.com about his debut. "It feels great. I can't describe all the hard work I did over the past two and a half years to get to the show. I can't wait to show what I can do."Although he has yet to display his in-ring abilities on Federation television, Costantino has showed his stuff to Federation fans at non-televised events since last fall. "I'd say my style is kind of a cross between RVD and Tajiri," Costantino said. "I have a wide arsenal of kicks and a pretty good offense. When I need it, I have a pretty good defense. But my style really is just beginning to bloom."The 6-foot, 228-pound Las Vegas native is somewhat of a jack of all trades. Prior to signing a Federation developmental contract, Costantino worked as a police officer, an American Gladiator, a bodyguard, paramedic and he even toured with a Christian motivational group that used unique displays of strength to illustrate their message.Although Costantino admits to feeling a bit nervous before his SmackDown! debut, he has plenty of experience working in front of a camera. After winning the competition on "American Gladiators", Costantino accepted an offer to become a gladiator. "Being on "Gladiators" was different because I didn't worry about being on TV. I just worried about winning the event. I wasn't worried about the camera."I was a little nervous beforehand," Costantino added about Thursday's broadcast. "But once the bell rings I'm a different person. I just go into my mode until the bell rings again. Known as "Mr. Positive" among superstars backstage, Costantino is up for the challenge of taking The Stylist as far as possible. "I like it," he said of his character. "I'm going to see what I can do with it and see what develops. I can never stop learning. That's the key to succeeding. Never be satisfied with where I'm at and always aim for the top.

RICO’S SMACKDOWN DEBUT AND RAW MAGAZINE FEATURE!

3/21/02

After months of dark matches and looking for the right timing and angle, Rico Costantino made his Smackdown! Debut as “Stylist and image coordinator” to current Tag Team Champs Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo! Billy and Chucky were in sore need of a make over, to be sure, and they got the “toughest” one in the business! The segment starts backstage as Billy and Chucky are discussing how Rico is tough…the toughest there is. Ironically, the new Raw magazine hit the stands this week as well, and there is a great feature article on Rico, detailing his past and indeed, how tough and resilient he is. Then, looking every bit the Superstar, Rico enters the locker room and proceeds to bash the pair’s look…the bandanas and hair and so on, calling it all “passé” . When interrupted, he gives them a “Silence!” with all the power of a “Shush!” Then, he tells them after they beat the Hardy Boys, he’ll get to work on their image.

Strolling down the ramp as if he was made to do it just for the camera, Rico leads Billy and Chucky to the ring. From a perspective of someone who has seen him work his butt off for 50 people in a school gym, the site on the screen before me was just simply awesome. Finally, after years of training and dedication, an arena full of people and millions more around the globe were about to see something special…the birth of a star. His first television appearance on WWF programming, and it was as if he was simply made to do this. In the ring, he fluffs the hair of his protégés, taking their robes and bandanas. The camera cuts to an intense looking Rico, focused on the match. Never having spent time outside the ring, with the exception of tag team action, Rico was a great cheerleader from the sidelines. He threw Jeff Hardy back in for more punishment from the champs. His interference from the outside assisted in a win, as a Hardy was snapped down on the ropes from a “stylist” waiting for the right opportunity to get involved. The color commentary from Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole was priceless…calling him “Sassoon like”. Indeed, Rico’s look does lend one to buy into this gimmick…and do it well.

History was made tonight. Rico is now cemented in some form or fashion in the minds of every WWF fan in attendance or at home. Last week Rico wowed fans in small HWA arenas, this week, he’s a star. He hasn’t begun to show the fans what he can do yet in the ring, and when he does, they will be amazed. From the first time I saw Rico, I knew he was going to make it to the big dance, though I didn’t know how or where. The amazing thing about Rico is no matter how they had decided to utilize him, the result would have been the same. A job well done, professional and entertaining.

You broke that barrier Rico. Now show them what you can really do! I’m seeing a RAW magazine cover in the future…and some in ring action the likes of which hasn’t been seen before. Go Rico!

MARCH 2002

RICO WINS HWA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE!

In Dayton Ohio, Friday, March 15th, Rico took on EZ Money to win the HWA Heavyweight title in a hard fought bout! The next night saw Rico defend that title on HWA TV. Here's the report:
MAIN EVENT
HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION RICO COSTANTINO VS JOHNNY THE BULL
(Subtitle, battle of the Italian tempers)
Rico makes his way to the ring proudly holding up his newly won belt. Johnny attempts to blindside his opponent, but Rico takes control immediately with arm locks and shoulder blocks. Rico attacks with a kick to the gut, back and face in lightening quick succession, then a hop onto the second rope and a beautiful hell kick to the face of the Bull. Rico is so fast, Jimmy Cornette seems to be loosing breath calling this action from above. Rico goes for the suplex, but it is reversed by Johnny the Bull, and he drops Rico chest first onto the top rope. In the fracas, Rico's warm up pants have fallen by the way, and they now become a weapon as Johnny chokes Rico with them, his strength evident. He puts Rico in the sleeper, but Rico comes alive as the crowd rallies behind him, and uses a sit down power bomb for the near fall. Again Johnny drops Rico on the top rope, and continues the punishment by kneeling on Rico's throat. Rico again on his feet, and Johnny the pull grabs a handful of his opponents dark curls and rakes his eyes across the top rope. Rico regains control, and a big back body drop, some more attacks by his talented feet, and Johnny the Bull is set up for the Sudden Impact. 1-2-3 and Rico gets the pin...with a big "Shush!" for the ref.
WINNER RICO COSTANTINO
HWA Tuesday Night Showcase
Tuesday, March 12, 2002
By Chris Koontz, PWTorch.com correspondent
"The Cobra" Rico Costantino beat Steven Richards. This is a match the crowd can get into. From the very start, the crowd gives some solid heat to Richards, getting behind Rico. After a slow start, Rico dominates Richards all over the ring, pummeling him with a series of awesome kicks, not once, but twice. Rico goes up top, but misses the ensuing Drop Kick. Richards takes this chance to attack Rico, picking him up in a Sidewalk Slam, while jacking with the crowd with a "you suck". Richards applies a really cool looking variation on a Recliner Submission, simultaneously applying a Full Nelson. It looked wicked, and Rico sold it convincingly. Later, he set Rico up for the Stevie Bomb, but the crowd asked for it, so he didn't do it. Perfect heel stuff from Richards, but the whole "you suck" over and over has got to go. Anyway, while Richards was distracted, Rico recovered, then hit a Standing Side Kick, dropping both men down. After a Steven Kick for a two count, Rico recovers (and I missed what he actually did) and pins Richards. I am sorry for missing what happened, but, as I said, I was distracted a little. I love to watch Rico. He has the coolest T-Shirt ever (a Black sleeveless T with the old Cobra logo from GI Joe).
INTERVIEW from 3/3/02 HWA TV taping
Any time Jimmy Cornette graces the ring, something interseting is about to happen. But the loyal HWA fans in attendance had no idea the surprise they were about to get. Mike Sanders approached the ring wearing a bandanna with tendrils of hair falling from it, and carrying a cowboy hat. As Jimmy referred to last week's attack on Steve Bradley and Lance Cade as "swinging that chair like Babe Ruth", Sanders launched into a parody that was absolutely hysterical. He made fun of the Bosotonite Bradley, his expressions and tone of voice down to an art. As "Bradley" he said "...you handed me my ass..." referring to the eleven staples Bradley recieved in his head last week. Then, he switched hats...literally, and metamorphasized into Lance Cade. Black Stetson on his head, he began to stutter and stammer and poke fun at Lance Cade...even going as far as to speak to Shawn Michaels (Lance's trainer) in a "Look mom, I'm on TV" sort of way. They crowd was in stitches as Sanders said of the pair "These are tow guys who couldn't find the handle on a coffee cup" Jimmy reminded Mike that he was slated for tag team action for the titles on March 15th in Dayton, but had no partner. Sanders ensured Jimmy he would "Finish the job", just as Bradley and Cade ran to the ring. A Smashmouth by Bradley, and the audience wondered if anyone on the HWA roster would assist Sanders. No, no one on the HWA roster did, but rising WWF Superstar Rico Costantino came to the rescue! The former American Gladitaor and three time OVW heavywieght champ cleared the ring, vowing to be Sanders partner in Dayton. With WCW experience and WWF attitude, this promises to be an exciting match.

Web Reviews

Rico is currently on tour with the WWF, performing in dark matches across the country, awaitng his television debut. The following are some of the many comments made by folks who have seen Rico live.

FEBRUARY 2002


2/22/02 Ross Report!
Rico Costantino is a cruiserweight in size and has worked as hard as anyone I've ever seen to get here. He is a class act who I hope makes it. He has really improved since he started working dark matches and selected house shows.
El Paso 02/10/02
Chavo Vs. Rico Costantino
Good pop for Chavo being that he's from El Paso. Nothing for Rico. Eddie chants immediately broke out. Rico looked very good and had a look that actually reminded me of Eddie. The 2 showed some good chain wrestling at the beginning and Rico hit a pretty nice array of martial arts kicks for a few minutes on Chavo. Out of nowhere Chavo hits the brainbuster for the pin.
WWF House Show Results: El Paso TX
Thanks to 411 reader Angel Saenz
Chavo Guerrero defeated Rico Costantino
I get the feeling that Chavo was supposed to be the Heel in this match but since he is a local, people kept cheering him and booing Rico. It was pretty funny because Chavo kept cheating and fighting dirty but people would still cheer for him. I guess he had some family in the crowd, there was a certain section that was really into this match. Man, these guys can really move.
WWF house show report February 8, 2002
Albuquerque, N.M. at the University of New Mexico Pit Arena
Report by Mike Patton, PWTorch.com reader
The event was held at the University of New Mexico Pit Arena and was a little less than sold out, with only a few rows empty.
Chavo Guerrero Jr. defeated Rico Costantino after a Brainbuster. Chavo got a decent pop, but quickly turned on the heel heat machine by stalling and cheating, putting the fans behind Rico. Rico reminds me of a taller, more talented X-pac with all his spinning kicks attacks. Good opener.
Albuqeure 2/9
Report by: Jacob Montoya, rajahwwf.com reader
Chavo Guerrero vs Rico Costantino
I didnt know who the Costantino dude was and I don't think anyone else did either he came out to boo's while Guerrero came out to somewhat of a pop. This match was kinda slow as it was the first match, the crowd quickly changed sides and cheered for Rico during the match. It ended when Chavo got a suplex on Rico for the 1-2-3......

Albuqeure 2/9
Match #4 Chavo Guerrero Jr. def. Rico Constantino The crowd was happy to welcome Chavo back home, but there were a lot of "We want Eddie" chants throughout the match. Rico was impressive, but he doesn't look like he would fit on TV. This was one of the best matches of the night. Lots of good moves. Chavo wins it with soem kind of brainbuster.

2/4/02, Las Vegas Nevada!!!!
Ron Waterman & Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton & Rico Costantino -Here it is folks... the WWF says "Why the hell should we use these guys against even worse jobbers, when we could actually use them in a great match?" Waterman and Rico start off, with Rico taking it to Ron in the corner. Waterman goes for a tilt-a-whirl, but Rico gets his legs up and scissors Waterman down 1-2-kickout. Tag to Orton who gets an elbow and a two count. Tag to Lesnar. Lesnar starts hitting Orton with the forerarms, but Randy comes back with a knee and a low dropkick 1-kickout. Arm wrench by Orton, who tags Rico. Rico comes down with an elbow to the wrenched arm. Superkick by Rico, then a kick to the chest 1-2-kickout. Rico goes second rope for a crossbody, but Lesnar catches him and hits a running powerslam. Stomps by Lesnar, followed with a toss that sends Rico across the ring. Spinning heel kick by Rico, and both men go down. Tag to Randy and Ron. Punches by Orton to everyone. He smasehes Waterman's face to the mat and pins, but Lesnar breaks it. Lesnar knocks Rico over the top, but Orton dropkicks Brock to the outside as well. Rico comes in and they hit a double flapjack on Waterman. Rico suicide dives onto Lesnar outside as Orton hits a flying crossbody on the stunned Waterman 1-2-3!
Reno, Nevada--02/03/02---from the Observer
WWF house show report 2-2 Tucson, AZ
From the Wrestling Observer
- Spike Dudley pinned Rico Constantino following the Acid Drop, Dudley Dog, or whatever they'll call it next. Spike wore a foam neck brace and kept selling what I guess was an injury suffered on RAW or Smackdown (both of which I didn't watch this week) until he went backstage after the match. Rico got a pretty good reaction. I know I was surprised at how strong a reaction it was! Maybe because he was announced as being from Las Vegas? This was my first time seeing him (as well as other OVW guys later in the card) and I thought he was pretty good. Seemed a little like an old-style match to me. It was pretty well-paced and the crowd seemed to enjoy it. Good opener.
2/2 WWF in Tucson: Austin-Booker, Angle-Rikishi, Spike-Rico (1) Spike Dudley pinned Rico Constantino following an Dudley Dog. Fun little match that showed that Rico Constantino has some personality and - hopefully - a shot at glory when the WWF went to a split roster. Spike Dudley got a pretty nice pop from the fans as he came out, especially when he held up the WWF tag team title belt at each of the four corners - ala Stone Cold Steve Austin. Constantino then mocked Spike by flexing at all four corners and got plenty of heat. They also engaged in a posedown of sorts, and Spike came out the winner. Funny. By the way, Dudley is still selling the 3-D on the concrete by the Dudleyz Boyz from a few weeks ago and was wearing his neck brace. Dudley started by hitting a series of armdrags and armbars on Constantino, who bailed out of the ring and got heel heat from the crowd - which was a running theme for the night. Once he came back, Constantino hit a few restholds on Dudley to get the crowd behind his opponent for a comeback. Dudley worked his way out and tried the Dudley Dog, which Constantino blocked. Constantino then ripped off Dudley's brace and started working on his neck with some twists and the Shake, Rattle & Roll. A few moves later he tried a nice looking moonsault, which missed. A punch-kick fest ensued and Constantino eventually went for a superplex, which Spike blocked, pushed Constantino off the turnbuckle, jumped first on Constantino's chest. Dudley Dog and then the pin.
Spike beat Rico Costantino in a good match. Rico had very good heat for a guy that no there had heard of. Good way to start off the show.
From the PW Torch
Spike Dudley pinned Rico Costantino following an Dudley Dog. Fun little match that showed that Rico Costantino has some personality and - hopefully - a shot at glory when the WWF went to a split roster. Spike Dudley got a pretty nice pop from the fans as he came out, especially when he held up the WWF tag team title belt at each of the four corners - ala Stone Cold Steve Austin. Costantino then mocked Spike by flexing at all four corners and got plenty of heat. They also engaged in a posedown of sorts, and Spike came out the winner. Funny. By the way, Dudley is still selling the 3-D on the concrete by the Dudleyz Boyz from a few weeks ago and was wearing his neck brace. Dudley started by hitting a series of armdrags and armbars on Costantino, who bailed out of the ring and got heel heat from the crowd - which was a running theme for the night. Once he came back, Costantino hit a few restholds on Dudley to get the crowd behind his opponent for a comeback. Dudley worked his way out and tried the Dudley Dog, which Costantino blocked. Costantino then ripped off Dudley's brace and started working on his neck with some twists and the Shake, Rattle & Roll. A few moves later he tried a nice looking moonsault, which missed. A punch-kick fest ensued and Costantino eventually went for a superplex, which Spike blocked, pushed Costantino off the turnbuckle, jumped first on Costantino's chest. Dudley Dog and then the pin.
Wrestling Observer....
Spike Dudley pinned Rico Costantino following the Acid Drop, Dudley Dog, or whatever they'll call it next. Spike wore a foam neck brace and kept selling what I guess was an injury suffered on RAW or Smackdown (both of which I didn't watch this week) until he went backstage after the match. Rico got a pretty good reaction. I know I was surprised at how strong a reaction it was! Maybe because he was announced as being from Las Vegas? This was my first time seeing him (as well as other OVW guys later in the card) and I thought he was pretty good. Seemed a little like an old-style match to me. It was pretty well-paced and the crowd seemed to enjoy it. Good opener.
Biggest Pops:
1. Austin
2. Lesnar
3. Undertaker

Biggest Heat:
1. Kurt Angle
2. Booker T
3. Rico Costantino
Tucson, Arizona Tucson Convention Center Arena February 2nd, 2002
**Spike Dudley vs. Rico Costantino** Not too bad… Spike got a good pop for being the first known face. In the match, Spike went for the Dudley Dog but to no avail. Rico tried a beautiful moonsault but with Spike moving out of the way in time. Spike later tried again for the Dudley Dog and scored for the 1,2,3.
From 411 Wrestling
Spike Dudley beat Rico Costantino after hitting the Dudley Dog/Acid Drop. Comedy match. Rico did a few *sweet* moves, such as a crisp moonsault. Spike was still wearing his neck brace.
JANUARY 2002
(1/28/02) - Richmond, Virginia --from Rajah
Rico Costantino vs. Orlando Jones -Jones gets Rico in a headlock, but Rico twists out and applies one of his own. Jones pulls Rico down, but Rico catches him with the Fireman's Carry. Jones trips Rico up and applies a front facelock. After numerous reversals, Jones starts laying his shoulder into Rico's, following it up by lifting and slamming the arm. Rico fires back with a few swift kicks to the head, and some kicks in the corner. Hiptoss by Jones, followed with a scoop slam and an armdrag. Jones applies the armbar, but Rico knees out and chops away until Jones elbows him back. Jones runs at Rico, who flapjacks Jones onto the ropes. Stomps by Rico and a Big Boot. RIco applies the blatant choke before nailing Jones with a kick to the head 1-2-shoulder up. Clothesline by Rico 1-2-shoulder up. Rico applies the sleeper, laying in clubs to the head when necessary. Jones elbows his way out of the hold, but Rico catches him with a low knee and a kick to the chest 1-2-shoulder up. Knees by Rico, finishing with a kick to the head 1-2-shoulder up 1-2-shoulder up. Rico hits a back suplex and goes to the turnbuckle. He climbs all the way up top and proceeds to miss the moonsault. Jones ducks a clothesline and flapjacks Rico, then clotheslines him down and hits a shoulder block 1-2-shoulder up. Rico goes for a back bodydrop, but Jones lands on his feet, and then lands two standing dropkicks 1-2-shoulder up. Jones grabs Rico by the hair and hits a hard scoop slam. He goes up top and nails the flying crossbody, but Rico manages to roll through 1-2-3!
~Orlando Jordan vs. Rico Costantino Decent match for both guys. Rico attempted a moonsault, misses, Jordan goes for the roll up but Rico reverses it and gets a pin. Rico uses lots of kicks in an evenly-paced match. Rico looks almost ready to go, just need to tweak his image.
AJ Styles vs. Rico Costantino Rico got a new haircut!
Styles gets a quick go-behind and follows it with a snapmare. Flipping out of an armwrench, Styles wraps around Rico, only to recieve an elbow. Rico with clubs to the back and an attempted German suplex, but Styles flips and lands on his feet, only to be met with a hard knee from Rico. Punches in the corner by Rico, followed up with a swift kick in the head 1-2-shoulder up. Rico locks in the sleeper, but Styles elbows out and boots Rico away. He goes for the Superkick, but Rico catches and spins him, connecting with a spinning heel kick 1-2-kickout. Rico stomps on Styles' head and clubs on his back. Back suplex by Rico. Rico goes all the way up top for a moonsault, but catches a face-full of mat as Styles rolls in time. Styles with a head-scissor takedown and a vertical dropkick 1-2-kickout. Vertical suplex from Styles 1-2-kickout. Styles lays into Rico in the corner and then goes up for a sweet springboard crossbody 1-2-kickout. As Styles rests in the corner, Rico runs at him, only for Styles to back bodydrop him out of the ring. Styles goes up top and hits Rico with a suicide dive that leaves both men prone on the floor. Back inside, Styles goes up top, but Rico knocks him off the ropes and into a Northern Lights 1-2-3!
Greenville, SC RAW 01/21/02
First, Brock Lesnar defeated Rico Costantino - great match
WWF house show report 1-19 Chattanooga
The arena was 3/4 full. Crowd was dead except for the big names that the WWF had there. Results: Crash defeated Rico Costantino. The crowd really cheered for Crash who was the first name out there. Rico missed a moonsault and Crash rolled him up.
January 15, 2002 Bossier City, Louisiana
Rico Costantino vs. Ron Waterman -Ron opens up immediately on Rico in the corner, Rico comes back with a reverse chinlock on the mat. Ron and Rico exchange pin attempts until Rico locks in the chinlock. Rico hits a spinkick on Ron, 2 count only. Rico gets caught in midair from the top rope and Ron hits a powerslam. Ron works on Rico in the corner and talks trash to him and sends Rico into the other turnbuckle with authority. Ron holds Rico in a back submission move and converts it into a slam, 2 count only. Ron places Rico in a reverse chinlock, then Ron gives Rico a major back-body-drop, and then relocks in the reverse chinlock. Rico fights outta it but Ron cuts him off. Rico hits a bulldog on Ron and then a superkick, 2 count only. Rico puts Ron in a schoolboy but only a 2 count. Ron then puts Rico in a Tigerdriver (Pearl River Plunge) to get the 1-2-3.
WWF house show report 1-12 Beaumont, TX (From The Observer)
That was followed by a tag match featuring two developmental talents. Rico and Ron "I have the worst and most obvious nickname in wrestling" Waterman. They got the win over the artist ! formally known as Meat and the artist formally known as Aldo. The two developmentals were impressive and I met Rico after the show and he is really friendly despite an overwhelming resemblance to Tito Santana.
Beaumont, TX; January 12, 2002
Rico Costantino & Ron "H2O" Waterman vs. Justin Credible & Shawn Stasiak Back and forth match which saw Stasiak and Costantino wrestle through most of it. Waterman hits his finisher on Stasiak and gets the pin.
Report by: Brian AKA Xtreme2245, rajahwwf.com reader
Rico Costantino Vs. Brock Lesner An ok match. Great in the beginning boring in the middle and Ok at the end. Alot of choke holds and punching. Some nice drop Kicks from Rico. However Brock wins this one. By the way Rico is in great shape and looks young as heel. Like 22.

by Justin Rowland/ProWrestlingScoops.com 1/9/2002
Rico Costantino v. Ron "H2O" Waterman - Waterman came out second and instantly you can hear people saying, "That guy looks just like Scott Steiner!". This was also a well put together match. Waterman got the victory after Lex Luger’s trademark, The Torture Rack.

WWF house show report - Springfield, MA
From Gerweck.net
Credit : Wade Collins
Crash Holly beat Rico Costantino. Decent opener with alot of comedy spots to start off, nothing special but Rico did look decent for the time they had. Ended when Rico went for a moonsault and missed and Crash capitalized with a pin.

WWF house show report January 5, 2002 Springfield, Mass. at the Civic Center By Jack Purcell, PWTorch.com correspondent

(1) Crash beat Rico Costantino. Solid match! Both wrestlers gave a tight performance.

From Gerweck.net 1/4/02 House Show Binghamton, NY

Match # 1 Crash vs. Rico Costantino --This was a great opener as both guys worked hard. Crash was over here big time and Rico got some good heat probably because no body knew him. Rico did a great and I mean great Top Rope Moonsault, even though he missed. Winner: Crash Holly

PWTorch Reported by Steve Fox on January 02, 2002 -Expect the majority of name brand talent from the former Alliance stable to make their way back to WWF television at the Royal Rumble pay-per view. As the WWF is now past "the year of injuries" there are still several well-known talents on the injured list through Royal Rumble. Not only will former Alliance wrestlers be involved in the 30-man over the top classic, but some of the WWF developmental talent are expected to have a slot in the match such as Brock Lesnar and Rico Costantino.

DECEMBER 2001

From Rajah 12/11/01 Bakersfield Rico Costantino VS Spike Dudley I was very surprised with Costantino. He didn't look old(er) at all, despite all the recent news about him. He worked an OK match, typical heel gestures (fleeing, flexing, etc.), and he actually pulled off a very nice looking moonsault! Very good compared to all the other moonsaults I've seen.

12/03 Dark Match..Milwaukee...Rico Costantino vs. Brock Lesnar -Lesnar picks up Rico and 'buckles him, but Rico fends him off long enough to climb down. Shoulder block by Lesnar, then a hard clothesline. Lesnar smushes Rico's face into the canvass and then chokes him on the ropes. Lesnar looks for a back body drop, but Rico goes for a Sunset Flip. Unfortunately for Rico, Lesnar stays standing, picks him up and tosses him over the top. On the outside, Lesnar bearhugs Rico and rams him into the apron before tossing him back into the ring. Inside, Rico gains a slight advantage, but Lesnar knees him down and stomps. Kicks in the corner by Lesnar. Rico reverses and gets in some kicks on his own, but Lesnar whips him back into the corner and clotheslines him down 1-2-Lesnar picks Rico up to give more punishment. Backbreaker by Lesnar, who reaches down and hooks in a reverse chin lock. He lets go and picks Rico up, then knees him back down. He goes for a scoop slam, but Rico cradles him 1-2-kickout. Clothesline by Lesnar to regain the firm advantage. Hard whip into the corner by Lesnar, then into the opposite corner. Lesnar hits a beauty of a running powerslam 1-2-3!

From the Torch...12/1...Grand Rapids (3) The Hurricane (w/ Molly Holly) pinned Rico Costantino. Hurricane got a nice pop from the crowd. There were some "Molly Holly" chants during the match as well. I had never seen Rico before and he seemed like a pretty good wrestler. Hurricane got the pin after hitting his finisher


NOVEMBER 2001

From WWFRajah---Daytona Beach, 11/23/01 Raven defeated Rico Costantino. This match has good psychology, which is nice to see with a guy like Rico. Raven kept working on his shoulder/knee. Rico looks like a smaller more athletic version of Mike Awesome. Crowd chanted boring during the first 4-5 matches, which is sad but you can't blame them because of not knowing the developmental guys. Raven wins with the Evenflow DDT.

From The Observer--Daytona, 11/23/01 Raven d. Rico Costantino---Referee Charles Robinson got a pretty good pop out of the crowd, and they all seemed to like Rico as well, though Raven was clearly the favorite. For an older guy (41), Costantino looks and wrestles great. They traded the upper hand for a while until Raven hit the Evenflow for the win.

Lakeland House Show--11/24/01 From The Observer 3) Raven pinned Rico Costantino. Loud face pop for Raven. A decent match with Raven working Rico's shoulder a lot. Rico did not really get in much of an offense but hit a nice looking drop kick at one point. Raven hit the Raven Effect for the pin.

Oklahoma City-11/26/01 Billy Gunn & Chuck Palumbo vs. Randy Orton & Rico Costantino -Rico attacks while Billy is still parading around for the fans, and Randy tosses Palumbo away for the double team. Billy kicks Orton away and then slams Rico into Orton. Palumbo with a flying crossbody to both men, and they escape to the outside. On the inside, Palumbo lifts Rico up and Gunn comes off the ropes to knock him down 1-2-broken by Orton. Tag to Orton. Rake of the eyes by Randy, but Gunn hits a Big Boot. Neck breaker by Gunn 1-2-shoulder up. Gunn rams Randy's head into Palumbo's boot and then tags Chuck in. Rico gets in a cheap clothesline to take Palumbo down, allowing Randy to get in one of his own. Tag to Rico. Rico with punches in the corner then a hard whip. Palumbo punches back, but Rico kicks him away and hits a Russian leg sweep 1-2-shoulder up. Tag to Orton. Orton goes up and hits an ax handle, then a vertical suplex for a two count. Chuck reaches for Gunn, but Randy catches him and locks in a chin lock. Randy goes up, but Chuck catches him and hits a belly-belly. Tag to Rico. Chuck almost makes it to the corner, but Rico dives and knocks Gunn off the apron. Low blow by Palumbo who does get the tag. Clotheslines and dropkicks a plenty from Gunn 1-2-broken by Orton. Palumbo runs in, tosses Orton from the ring and Superkicks Rico into the FameAssEr 1-2-3!

Wichita Kansas...11/27/01 Rico Costantino vs. Ron Waterman -Ron starts it off with a waist lock takedown and both men back off and then lock up again with Ron getting the offensive going'. Rico comes back with some martial leg shots on Ron, then the match continues with back and forth action for a minute. Ron overpowers Rico and continues his attacks but only a couple of 2 counts despite bodyslams delivered to Rico. Rico gets sent to the rope and hits hard and then lands on his face and it bounces up like a basketball. OUCH!. Ron locks Rico in an STF like move but doesn't score a submission, Ron attempts a pin but only a 2 count. Ron sends Rico to the rope again but Rico counters with a foot to the face and despite some hesitation, Rico delivers a 2nd rope hurracanrana. Rico delivers a major heel kick but only a 2 count, then hits a side Russian legsweep, 2 count only. Rico nails a bulldog and gets a 2 1/2!. Ron comes back and delivers a running poweslam just like The British Bulldog's and got the 3 count. Winner: Ron "H2O" Waterman

From the Torch...Wichita again 2) Ron Waterman beat Rico Costantino. I would have never been able to guess Rico's age. He was a very polished worker, but was booed despite playing the heel. Waterman came out wearing a skull cap, looking exactly like Scott Steiner. When he removed the cap, he looked like a balding Scott Steiner. Good match, but Orton-Lesnar was better.

From the November 30 Ross Report ! ! ! Rico Costantino is a guy who started very late in the business. But he has a tremendous background -- he's been a bodyguard and a Las Vegas police officer who has been wounded in action two or three times. He won the "American Gladiators" competition. He has as strong of a work ethic as anybody I've ever seen on our developmental program. I hope that he's going to make it in the business. He certainly has the fundamentals down. He's improving immensely.

Wrestling Observer...house show 12/1 in Grand Rapids MATCH 3 RICO CONSTANTINO vs. THE HURRICANE WHOO!HOO!! Being a comic mark I so totally dig the Hurricane! Hurricane was over at first. Got a nice pop for his entrance, but crowd was flat for a while. My first chance seeing Rico. Looks way too much like Jerry Flynn for my tastes. Still, he seemed to belong. Highlight of match was Hurricane hitting a nice suicide flip tope.

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