Mike Mondo
{{short description|American professional wrestler}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Mike Mondo
|image = MikeMondo.jpg
|caption = Mondo in 2007
|alt =
|birth_name = Michael Brendli{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/08/7678301.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115075647/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/08/7678301.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=Mike Mondo still has the spirit|date=December 8, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|access-date=December 13, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|3|26}}
|birth_place = Patchogue, New York, U.S.
|names = El Mondo
Livewyre{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mike-mondo.html|title=Mike Mondo Profile|access-date=May 2, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=March 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324024029/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mike-mondo.html|url-status=live}}
Mike Mondo
Mikey
|height = {{height|ft=5|in=7}}
|weight = {{convert|229|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
|resides =
|billed =
|trainer = Critical Mass Wrestling School
Ohio Valley Wrestling
|retired =
}}
Michael Brendli (born March 26, 1983) is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his time in WWE as Mike Mondo and Mikey as a member of The Spirit Squad. He also appeared in Major League Wrestling (MLW) in a tag team with fellow Squad member Kenny Dykstra during 2019. He also worked in Ring of Honor and Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW).
After training at the Critical Mass Wrestling School, he debuted in June 2002 and began working for several independent promotions as Mike Mondo, Livewyre, or El Livewyre. His earliest success came in the New York Wrestling Connection promotion, where he won the NYWC Heavyweight Championship on two occasions between 2003 and 2005. In February 2005, he signed a contract with WWE, and was assigned to the OVW developmental territory. There, he formed The Spirit Squad faction with four other wrestlers.
The Spirit Squad debuted on the Raw brand in January 2006, and quickly won the World Tag Team Championship in April. They held the championship for seven months, before losing it in early November. They were taken off television in late 2006. He returned to OVW in 2007, before being moved to the Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) territory in September. He competed in FCW until his WWE release in June 2008. He then returned to the independent circuit, and later returned to OVW, where he won both the OVW Television Championship and the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship in 2009. He went on to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship for the first time in mid-2010 and the second time in early 2011.
Professional wrestling career
=Early career (2002–2005) =
Brendli began training at the Critical Mass Pro Wrestling wrestling school during his freshman year of college. He debuted in June 2002, and wrestled on the independent circuit, both in New York and in New Jersey. Brendli first became known as "Livewyre", occasionally competing under a mask as "El Livewyre". Most of his early success was in the New York Wrestling Connection promotion, where he had a nine-month undefeated streak. Competing as "Livewire" Mike Mondo he won the NYWC Heavyweight Championship from "Superstar" Dickie Rodz on June 7, 2003, holding it for approximately two months, until he vacated it. On March 26, 2005, he defeated Joey Matthews to win the NYWC Heavyweight Championship for the second time, and later successfully retained the championship against Mikey Whipwreck. Mondo lost the championship to Matt Striker on April 30, after holding it for just over a month.
Brendli was also competing in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) during this time, making his debut in September 2003. He appeared in several dark matches prior to the television tapings against wrestlers including Tank Toland, Joey Matthews, and Carly Colón.{{cite web|url=http://www.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/mondo_mike.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115064105/http://www.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/mondo_mike.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=Mike Mondo|last=Milner|first=John M.|access-date=February 27, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}
= World Wrestling Entertainment =
== Ohio Valley Wrestling (2005–2006) ==
Brendli signed a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) developmental contract in February 2005, and was assigned to OVW full-time. First he acted as a manager, then became a full-time wrestler and a member of the Bolin Services faction led by Kenny "The King Maker" Bolin. He competed in a tournament for the OVW Television Championship, but lost in the first round to Alexis Laree. Embarrassed by losing to a female wrestler, Mondo issued an open challenge to any woman backstage, and a result, lost to Victoria.
In late summer 2005, Mondo feuded with Brent Albright after attacking Albright during a match with Da Beast and injuring his eye. Albright obtained revenge on Mondo, however, defeating him by submission at the television tapings on September 7. Throughout the end of 2005, Mondo continued to team with various members of Bolin Services, mainly Johnny Jeter and Da Beast. In December 2005, Mondo debuted a character, where he pretended to be a luchadore, and competed under a mask as "El Mondo". He won several dark matches using the El Mondo gimmick, before losing to CM Punk in a televised match.
== The Spirit Squad (2005–2006) ==
{{main|Spirit Squad}}
In late 2005, Mondo joined the Spirit Squad, a faction of five wrestlers using the in-ring personas of male cheerleaders, as Mikey. Brendli has described being in the Spirit Squad as "the most fun" he's had in his career. Mikey and Kenny began appearing in dark matches and at live events using the Spirit Squad gimmick, and on January 2, 2006, Mikey lost to Chavo Guerrero. On January 23, 2006, they had their WWE television debut as a group, appearing on Raw and helping Jonathan Coachman win a Royal Rumble qualifying match against Jerry "The King" Lawler by distracting Lawler and performing cheers for Coachman.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01232006/mainarticle|title=Ready to Rumble|date=January 23, 2006|access-date=February 27, 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103045634/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01232006/mainarticle|url-status=live}} They later became a part of the ongoing scripted feud between WWE chairman Mr. McMahon and Shawn Michaels. The heel (villainous) McMahon brought in the Spirit Squad to attack Michaels on numerous occasions, including placing them in multiple handicap matches.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/02/21/1454932.html|title=Raw: Gee, Triple H wins, surprise, surprise|date=February 21, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=February 27, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715011024/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/02/21/1454932.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/03/14/1487424.html|title=Raw: Testing the HBK-McMahons feud|date=March 14, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=February 27, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=August 3, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803002628/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/03/14/1487424.html|url-status=usurped}}
They also wrestled in the tag team division, and on April 3, on Raw, Mikey and Kenny defeated Big Show and Kane to win the World Tag Team Championship, with help from the other Spirit Squad members.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/2448432 |title=History of the World Tag Team Championship: Spirit Squad |date=April 3, 2006 |access-date=February 27, 2010 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329062858/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/2448432 |archive-date=March 29, 2008 }}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/04/04/1519426.html|title=Raw: Debuts, new tag champs, staredowns|date=April 4, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=February 27, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716071915/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/04/04/1519426.html|url-status=usurped}} After winning the championship, all five members of the Spirit Squad were recognized as the champions under the freebird rule, allowing any combination of them to defend the championship.
In May, McMahon signed another handicap match, with the Spirit Squad facing Michaels. The Spirit Squad instead attacked Michaels before the match had started, and Triple H came out to help them. As a result of feeling disrespected by the Spirit Squad, however, Triple H helped Michaels instead.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/05/23/1593335.html|title=Raw: HHH helps out HBK|date=May 22, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=February 27, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714112542/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/05/23/1593335.html|url-status=usurped}} This led to Triple H and Michaels reforming D-Generation X (DX) and they began a feud with the Spirit Squad.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/06/20/1643070.html|title=Raw: DX pranks – butts, boobs, slime|date=June 20, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=February 27, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 18, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718031546/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/06/20/1643070.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06262006/mainarticle|title=It happens|date=June 26, 2006|last=Dee|first=Louie|access-date=February 27, 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103045704/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06262006/mainarticle|url-status=live}} DX played various sophomoric jokes on the Spirit Squad and the McMahons, as well as defeating the Spirit Squad in handicap tag team matches at Vengeance and a clean sweep in an elimination handicap match at Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/06/21/1646013.html|title=DX returns with a Vengeance|date=June 21, 2006|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=February 27, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714045133/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/06/21/1646013.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/july152006/matches/25815981/results/|title=DX dismantles the Spirit Squad|date=July 15, 2006|last=Zeigler|first=Zack|access-date=February 27, 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213140410/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/july152006/matches/25815981/results/|archive-date=February 13, 2010}}
At the same time as their feud with DX and their alignment with McMahon, the Spirit Squad also wrestled other teams in Raw
The group disbanded on the November 27 episode of Raw, when they were defeated in a five-on-three handicap match by DX and Flair. In a backstage segment later that episode, DX placed all members into a crate stamped "OVW, Louisville, Kentucky", a reference to the developmental territory from which all the Spirit Squad members had come.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/28/2530992.html|title=Raw: The return of the Hardys|date=November 28, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=February 27, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 21, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721084202/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/28/2530992.html|url-status=usurped}}
== Return to developmental territories (2007–2008) ==
Brendli, under the name Mikey Mondo, appeared at the January 17 OVW taping along with Nick Nemeth and teamed with Mike Kruel in a match against Seth Skyfire, Shawn Spears, and Cody Runnels.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/|title=January 17, 2007 – OVW TV Tapings|date=January 17, 2007|access-date=October 13, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=December 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222101647/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007|url-status=live}} The pair teamed up for a while as The Frat Boys, and later The Frat Pack, but they had disbanded by late March 2007. Mondo moved into singles competition, and picked up wins over Steve Lewington, Boris Alexiev, and Colt Cabana, among others. In June 2007, he started a feud with Shawn Spears over the OVW Television Championship, but failed to capture it on several occasions.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/|title=June 22, 2007 – OVW Six Flags|date=June 22, 2007|access-date=October 13, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=December 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222101647/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007|url-status=live}} A one-night reunion with Nemeth followed, before he began dubbing himself "The Professional" Mike Mondo and began feuding with Atlas DaBone.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/|title=August 15, 2007–OVW TV Tapings|date=August 15, 2007|access-date=October 13, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=December 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222101647/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/|title=August 29, 2007–OVW TV Tapings|date=August 29, 2007|access-date=October 13, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=December 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222101647/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007|url-status=live}}
In September 2007, Mondo was moved to the Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) developmental territory and defeated Chris Gray in his debut there.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=September 15, 2007 – Florida Championship Wrestling|date=September 15, 2007|access-date=October 13, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818202851/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007|url-status=live}} He once again reformed his tag team with Nemeth, and they wrestled against teams including Hade Vansen and Chris Gray, and the New Generation Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart and TJ Wilson).{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=September 25, 2007 – Florida Championship Wrestling – Wrestling For Whiskers|date=September 25, 2007|access-date=October 13, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818202851/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007|url-status=live}} At the start of 2008, however, they split and began feuding, competing against each other both in singles and tag team matches.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=January 8, 2008 – Florida Championship Wrestling|date=January 8, 2008|access-date=October 13, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=May 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516113041/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=January 12, 2008 – Florida Championship Wrestling|date=January 12, 2008|access-date=October 13, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=May 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516113041/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008|url-status=live}} Having dubbed himself "Mighty Mikey", he went to wrestle Ted DiBiase Jr., Sinn Bowdee, Heath Miller, and Jack Gabriel throughout the early part of 2008. On June 13, 2008, WWE announced that Brendli had been released from his contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/mikemondoreleased|title=Mike Mondo released|date=June 13, 2008|access-date=June 15, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=April 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414155549/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/mikemondoreleased|url-status=live}}
=Independent circuit (2008–present)=
After his WWE release, Brendli returned to competing on the independent circuit, and, in an interview in December 2008, said he plans to wrestle in Mexico and Japan. He competed for several independent promotions, including Division I Pro Wrestling and Ward Family Entertainments, where he reprised his feud with Rory McAllister of the former WWE tag team, The Highlanders. Brendli made it to the semi-final of the 17th annual ECWA Super 8 Tournament before losing to eventual winner Damian Dragon. Brendli participated in Chikara's 2014 King of Trios tournament under his Spirit Squad character, and teamed with Johnny and Kenny.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_80337.shtml|title=Chikara news: Former WWE faction officially announced for King of Trios tournament|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 21, 2014|access-date=August 21, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=September 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914224959/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_80337.shtml|url-status=live}} After a win over Sinn Bodhi and the Odditorium (Qefka the Quiet and Sir Oliver Grimsly) on September 19, the Spirit Squad was eliminated from the tournament in the second round on September 20 by the Golden Trio (Dasher Hatfield, Icarus, and Mark Angelosetti).{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/50836-9-19-chikara-results-easton-pa-king-of-trios-night-1|title=9/19-9/21 Chikara Results: Easton, PA (King of Trios weekend)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=September 20, 2014|access-date=September 21, 2014|publisher=Wrestleview|archive-date=September 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922055453/http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/50836-9-19-chikara-results-easton-pa-king-of-trios-night-1|url-status=live}}
He also returned to the New York Wrestling Connection on September 20, 2008, at Draw The Line, where he teamed with Mikey Whipwreck in a losing effort to Rob Eckos and Frederick of Hollywood.{{cite web|url=http://www.nywcwrestling.com/r20080920.shtml|title=NYWC Draw The Line; September 20, 2008 – Ronkonkoma, NY|date=September 20, 2008|access-date=March 29, 2010|publisher=New York Wrestling Connection|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714223148/http://www.nywcwrestling.com/r20080920.shtml|archive-date=July 14, 2011}} On February 28, 2015, Mondo defeated Rex Lawless to win the NYWC Fusion title. He later vacated the championship in April due a schedule conflict, meaning he could not defend the championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.nywcwrestling.com/nywc-fusion-championship|title=NYWC Fusion Championship|access-date=May 2, 2018|publisher=New York Wrestling Connection|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503042315/http://www.nywcwrestling.com/nywc-fusion-championship|url-status=live}} In 2016, he was inducted into the NYWC Hall of Fame. On November 12, 2016, wrestling as The Spirit Squad, Mondo and Doane captured the NYWC Tag Team Championship from Hounds of Hatred (Boo and Bam Sullivan) at Firestorm 3. 15 days later, Spirit Squad lost the titles back to Hounds of Hatred.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nywcwrestling.com/nywc-tag-team-championship|title=NYWC Tag Team Championship|publisher=New York Wrestling Connection|access-date=May 2, 2018|archive-date=November 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113181627/http://www.nywcwrestling.com/nywc-tag-team-championship|url-status=live}} The pair continued to compete as a tag team in the greater New York region throughout 2017 and 2018, and also traveled abroad to compete for Preston City Wrestling in England and Westside Xtreme Wrestling in Germany.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=364&page=4|title=Mike Mondo – Matches|access-date=February 18, 2019|publisher=cagematch.net|archive-date=February 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219073021/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=364&page=4|url-status=live}}
== Return to OVW (2009–2012) ==
In early 2009, he returned to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) both to wrestle and to be an assistant trainer.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=OVW announces details on wrestling training camp with Jim Cornette|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_42630.shtml|publisher=PWTorch|access-date=July 21, 2010|date=July 21, 2010|archive-date=August 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811200533/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_42630.shtml|url-status=live}} On February 7, 2009, he defeated Idol Stevens and Johnny Punch in a triple threat match to become the new OVW Television Champion. On March 21, Brendli failed a drugs test at an OVW event, and was suspended by the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2009/03/more-on-former-wwe-stars-failed-drug-test-517474/|title=More on Former WWE Stars Failed Drug Test, SD!, the Rock|date=March 27, 2009 |access-date=January 10, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107110209/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2009/03/more-on-former-wwe-stars-failed-drug-test-517474/|url-status=live}} He lost the OVW Television Championship to Jamin Olivencia on May 9. After postponing two hearings, he was suspended for six months and fined US$100 on June 29.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}} On November 21, 2009, Mondo teamed with Turcan Celik to defeat Moose and Tilo for the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship. They held the championship for a week, before losing it to The Network on November 28. On May 29, 2010, at All or Nothing, Mondo won the OVW Heavyweight Championship by defeating Beef Wellington.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1275281457|title=Indy News #1: OVW, JCW, PWA|date=May 31, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=May 31, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629214101/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1275281457|url-status=live}} He later lost the championship to James Thomas on June 16. On March 5, 2011, Mondo regained the OVW Heavyweight Championship by winning a three-way ladder match, also involving Cliff Compton and "Low Rider" Matt Barela.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1299389657 |title=Former WWE superstar wins the OVW championship |date=March 6, 2011 |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |access-date=March 6, 2011 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309024817/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1299389657 |archive-date=March 9, 2011 }} Mondo was stripped of the championship on May 4, after attacking OVW president Danny Davis.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/20511-ovw-tv-report-for-the-5-7-show-|title=OVW TV report for the 5–7 show|last=Van Drisse|first=Trent|date=May 5, 2011|access-date=July 29, 2011|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|archive-date=September 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905151237/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/20511-ovw-tv-report-for-the-5-7-show-|url-status=live}} On November 2, at OVW's episode 637, Christian Mascagni prevented Mondo from winning an eight-man melee, costing him a match for the OVW Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/22812-ovw-tv-tapings-11-2-louisville|title=OVW TV taping 11–2 Louisville|last=Van Drisse|first=Trent|date=November 4, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2011|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|archive-date=April 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420020808/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/22812-ovw-tv-tapings-11-2-louisville|url-status=live}}
= Ring of Honor (2010–2013) =
Mondo appeared at Ring of Honor (ROH)'s Bluegrass Brawl event on July 22, where he lost to Delirious.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279910684|title=7/22 ROH Results: Louisville, Kentucky|date=July 23, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=July 24, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|archive-date=July 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728072138/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279910684|url-status=live}} He returned to ROH at the Ring of Honor Wrestling television tapings on December 9 and 10, defeating Grizzly Redwood the first night, before losing to Colt Cabana on December 10.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1292006998 |title=Spoilers: 12/9 ROH HDNet tapings in Louisville |date=December 10, 2010 |last=Martin |first=Adam |access-date=December 12, 2010 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216170511/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1292006998 |archive-date=December 16, 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1292089862 |title=SPOILERS: 12/10 ROH HDNet tapings in Louisville |date=December 11, 2010 |last=Martin |first=Adam |access-date=December 12, 2010 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216170757/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1292089862 |archive-date=December 16, 2010 }}
In late 2011, Brendli returned to Ring of Honor as a full-time member, under his 'Mike Mondo' personality.{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/roster/mike-mondo|title=Mike Mondo|access-date=January 24, 2012|publisher=Ring of Honor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331175344/http://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/roster/mike-mondo|archive-date=March 31, 2012|url-status=dead}} After a string of losses to begin his full-time ROH career, he eventually defeated Matt Taven. He then feuded with T. J. Perkins, whom he defeated in their first match together, but lost the second. Making his ROH pay-per-view debut at Border Wars, he teamed with the Young Bucks to lose to Perkins and The All Night Express of Kenny King and Rhett Titus. Following a draw with Davey Richards in May and a win over Mike Bennett at Best in the World 2012: Hostage Crisis, he had his first title opportunity when he unsuccessfully challenged Kevin Steen for the ROH World Heavyweight Championship. Mondo won an ROH World Television Championship number one contendership six-man mayhem match, and faced Adam Cole for the championship at Death Before Dishonor X: State of Emergency in a losing effort. Following the loss, Mondo defeated Kyle O'Reilly in a qualifying match for the 2012 Survival of the Fittest tournament, but lost in the final to Jay Lethal. At Glory By Honor XI: The Unbreakable Hope, Mondo lost to Mike Bennett, suffering a leg injury in the process which sidelined him for several months.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_65960.shtml|title=ROH News: PPV buys for Saturday's iPPV, plus injury updates|date=October 15, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=August 26, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927105651/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_65960.shtml|url-status=live}}
Mondo returned in March 2013, forming a tag team partnership with Grizzly Redwood and starting a feud with S.C.U.M. At Supercard of Honor VII, Mondo, B. J. Whitmer, Caprice Coleman, Cedric Alexander, and Mark Briscoe lost to five members of S.C.U.M.
He made a further return at television tapings in April 2017, when he and Kenny unsuccessfully challenged The Young Bucks for the ROH World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/roh-results/roh-tv-taping-results-new-number-one-contender-determined-233376|title=ROH TV taping results: a new number one contender is determined|date=April 9, 2017|access-date=May 2, 2018|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503041144/https://www.f4wonline.com/roh-results/roh-tv-taping-results-new-number-one-contender-determined-233376|url-status=live}}
=Return to WWE (2016)=
In late 2016, Brendli, as Mikey, alongside Kenny, returned to WWE for a short storyline with Dolph Ziggler (formerly Nicky in the Spirit Squad). On October 4, on SmackDown, they utilised their Spirit Squad characters to taunt Ziggler about his time in the Spirit Squad, before attacking him at the behest of the Intercontinental Champion The Miz and Maryse.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2016/10/04/22672059.html|title=SmackDown: Ambrose, Styles and Cena meet before No Mercy|date=October 4, 2016|last=Howell|first=Nolan|access-date=May 2, 2018|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503041603/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2016/10/04/22672059.html|url-status=dead}} Five days later, at the No Mercy pay-per-view, he and Kenny attempted to distract Ziggler in his career vs. title match against The Miz, but were unsuccessful.{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=Dolph Ziggler def. Intercontinental Champion The Miz (Title vs. Career Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2016/the-miz-dolph-ziggler-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=October 9, 2016|archive-date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013163108/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2016/the-miz-dolph-ziggler-results|url-status=live}} On the October 11 episode of SmackDown, Mikey and Kenny faced Ziggler in a two-on-one handicap match; Ziggler won but was attacked by The Miz before being saved by Rhyno and Heath Slater.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2016/10/12/22673836.html|title=Smackdown Live!: Enhancement talent James Ellsworth pulls the upset over WWE Champion AJ Styles|date=October 12, 2016|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 2, 2018|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503041520/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2016/10/12/22673836.html|url-status=dead}} This led to a six-man tag team match the following week, which Mikey, Kenny, and The Miz won.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2016/10/19/22675825.html|title=Smackdown Live!: James Ellsworth gets his shot at the WWE World Title|date=October 19, 2016|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 2, 2018|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503111048/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2016/10/19/22675825.html|url-status=dead}} Mikey and Kenny unsuccessfully challenged Slater and Rhyno for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship on October 25.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2016/10/26/22677723.html|title=Smackdown Live!: James Ellsworth costs Dean Ambrose a shot at the WWE title|date=October 26, 2016|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 2, 2018|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503042006/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2016/10/26/22677723.html|url-status=dead}} They appeared throughout November in tag team matches, before disappearing off television.
= Major League Wrestling (2019) =
On July 24, 2019, it was announced that Squad members Mondo and Kenny Dykstra were now signed to Major League Wrestling (MLW). They would go on to debut at that month's Never Say Never show.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mike-mondo-kenn-doane-spirit-squad-join-mlw|title=Mike Mondo & Kenn Doane of Spirit Squad Join MLW | Fightful News|access-date=July 24, 2019|archive-date=July 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724162710/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mike-mondo-kenn-doane-spirit-squad-join-mlw|url-status=live}}
Personal life
Brendli played football in middle and high school. Brendli is good friends with his former Spirit Squad teammate Nick Nemeth (better known as Dolph Ziggler), and the two lived together in Florida until 2008.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/22/11495066-ca.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722020229/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/22/11495066-ca.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 22, 2012|title=Dolph Ziggler chases perfection|date=October 22, 2009|last=Andrews|first=Kenai|access-date=November 3, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On June 1, 2008, Brendli was arrested for driving under the influence in Florida.{{cite web|url=http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/PublicInquiry/ArrestInquiry/ViewArrest?id=08034282&k1=8cc85d253fdb96a&k2=MjAyNzk4Mzg3Ng%3d%3d |title=Individual's Charge Report: Brendli, Michael S |date=June 2, 2008 |access-date=February 27, 2010 |publisher=Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724000635/http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/PublicInquiry/ArrestInquiry/ViewArrest?id=08034282&k1=8cc85d253fdb96a&k2=MjAyNzk4Mzg3Ng%3D%3D |archive-date=July 24, 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/5548/|title=Meltzer update: Orton update, CBS thoughts, WWE DUI, Lita, Impact tapings, EliteXC, more|date=June 2, 2008|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|access-date=October 18, 2013|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|quote=Mike Brendli, aka Mikey or Mike Mondo, was arrested last night at 11:12 a.m. with a 0.09 blood alcohol level.|archive-date=October 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022160239/http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/5548/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2008/1212446826.shtml|title=Report: WWE's Mike Brendli (aka Mikey/Mike Mondo) charged with DUI|date=June 2, 2008|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=October 18, 2013|publisher=WrestleView|archive-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019151605/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2008/1212446826.shtml|url-status=live}} He was released the next day after posting $500 bail.
Championships and accomplishments
- Compound Pro Wrestling
- ComPro Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kenny{{Cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=3064 |title=ComPro Tag Team Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=October 22, 2017 |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709152937/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3064 |url-status=live }}
- New York Wrestling Connection
- NYWC Fusion Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=91965&p=2|title=Complete NYWC Psycho Circus 13 coverage from Long Island, NY|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=February 28, 2015|access-date=March 1, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402145328/http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=91965&p=2|url-status=live}}
- NYWC Heavyweight Championship (3 times){{cite web|url=http://www.nywcwrestling.com/titles.shtml|title=History of the NYWC Championship|access-date=March 29, 2010|publisher=New York Wrestling Connection|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714220710/http://www.nywcwrestling.com/titles.shtml|archive-date=July 14, 2011}}
- NYWC Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kenny
- NYWC Trios Championship (1 time) – with Darius The Juggernaut and Sean Wachter
- NYWC Hall of Fame (Class of 2016){{cite web|url=http://www.nywcwrestling.com/mike-mondo|title=Mike Mondo|access-date=May 2, 2018|publisher=New York Wrestling Connection|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503042657/http://www.nywcwrestling.com/mike-mondo|url-status=live}}
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- OVW Heavyweight Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles#heavyweight |title=OVW Heavyweight Championship |access-date=April 3, 2011 |publisher=Ohio Valley Wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles |archive-date=April 5, 2011 }}
- OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Turcan Celik{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles#southern_tag_team |title=OVW Southern Tag Team Championship |access-date=April 3, 2011 |publisher=Ohio Valley Wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles |archive-date=April 5, 2011 }}
- OVW Television Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles#television |title=OVW Television Championship |access-date=March 3, 2011 |publisher=Ohio Valley Wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles |archive-date=April 5, 2011 }}
- Sixth OVW Triple Crown Champion
- Preston City Wrestling
- PCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kenny
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked 135 of the top 500 wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 2013{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2013|access-date=August 22, 2013|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191648/http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|url-status=live}}
- World Wrestling Entertainment
- World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Johnny, Kenny, Mitch, and Nicky{{ref label|1|a|a}}
Notes
{{note label|1|a|a}} Mikey defended the championship with either Kenny, Johnny, Mitch, or Nicky under the Freebird Rule.
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Mike Mondo}}
- {{WWE superstar|name=Mikey}}
- {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20130115062909/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/mondo_mike.html Slam! Wrestling Bio]}}
- {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
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{{Spirit Squad}}
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{{OVW Television Championship}}
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{{good article}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mondo, Mike}}
Category:American male professional wrestlers
Category:People from Brookhaven, New York
Category:Professional wrestlers from New York (state)
Category:American male sport wrestlers
Category:People from Patchogue, New York
Category:Sportspeople from Suffolk County, New York
Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers
Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers
Category:OVW Heavyweight Champions
Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)