Mike Alfonso was an American professional wrestler who is best known for his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, and the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment under the ring name Mike Awesome. He also gained recognition for his performances in Japan as The Gladiator.
Personal and Family Life
Michael Lee Alfonso was born on January 24, 1965, in Tampa, Florida. He was married to Delisa Bowers from May 11, 1991, until his death in 2007, and they had two children together. Alfonso was known by several nicknames throughout his career, including “The Gladiator” and “Fat Chick Thriller”.
Professional Career
Alfonso achieved significant success in his wrestling career, particularly in Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW), where he became a three-time world champion. His most notable achievement was holding the Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship for 489 days, which is a record for that title. He became well-known in ECW, winning the World Heavyweight Championship twice and being part of notable wrestling stables like Team Canada.
Death and Legacy
Mike Alfonso passed away on February 17, 2007, in Tampa, Florida, by suicide. His death shocked the wrestling community, and he is remembered for his impressive in-ring skills and contributions to professional wrestling. Alfonso’s legacy continues to live on through his memorable matches and the impact he had on fans and fellow wrestlers.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| ECW One Night Stand 2005 | 2005-06-12 | Mike Awesome |
| ECW – Unreleased Vol. 1 | 2012-06-05 | Himself |
| WCW The Great American Bash 2000 | 2000-06-11 | Mike Awesome |
| WCW Spring Stampede 2000 | 2000-04-16 | Mike Awesome |
| WCW Slamboree 2000 | 2000-05-07 | Mike Awesome |
| WCW Bash at the Beach 2000 | 2000-07-09 | Mike Awesome |
| WCW Fall Brawl 2000 | 2000-09-17 | Mike Awesome |
| WCW Halloween Havoc 2000 | 2000-10-29 | Mike Awesome |
| WCW Starrcade 2000 | 2000-12-17 | Mike Awesome |
| WWE InVasion | 2001-07-22 | Mike Awesome |
| FMW: Yokohama Deathmatch | 2001-07-31 | Mike “Gladiator” Awesome |
| WCW Sin | 2001-01-14 | Mike Awesome |
| WWE: 150 Best Pay-Per-View Matches, Vol 3 | 2014-12-31 | Himself |
| ECW Crossing The Line Again | 1997-02-01 | Mike Awesome |
| ECW November to Remember 1999 | 1999-11-07 | Mike Awesome |
| AWESOME BOMB | 2022-03-14 | Himself |