Big Bully Busick facts for kids

Nicholas Busick (born June 1, 1954 – died May 8, 2018) was an American professional wrestler and police officer. He was best known by his ring name Big Bully Busick. He became famous for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1991. There, he played a character who was a classic bully from the 1920s. This character wore a turtleneck, a bowler hat, and smoked a big cigar. Busick also wrestled for Georgia All-Star Wrestling and the Global Wrestling Federation.

Becoming a Professional Wrestler

Nicholas Busick was born in Steubenville, Ohio. He grew up in Weirton, West Virginia, a town known for its steel industry. In high school, he was an amateur wrestler. He was also very good at powerlifting in the 1970s.

In 1973, at just 19 years old, he became a police officer in Weirton. Busick started wrestling professionally in 1977. He learned how to wrestle mostly by being in the ring. He wrestled a few matches for the WWWF (which later became WWF) in the Pittsburgh area. He left the WWF in 1981.

In the early 1980s, Busick moved to Atlanta, Georgia. There, he started wrestling for Jerry Blackwell. This is where he created his "Bully" character. The idea came from someone who thought he looked like a typical coal miner or steel mill worker. As part of this character, he wore a derby hat and a turtleneck sweater. He would also smoke a cigar on his way to the wrestling ring. He had a big, bushy mustache too.

Time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF)

In July 1991, Big Bully Busick joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He continued to use his "Bully" gimmick, which is a wrestler's special character. He didn't just bully his opponents in the ring. He and his manager, Harvey Wippleman, would also bother fans at ringside. For example, he once popped a child's balloon with his cigar.

He even bothered the ring announcer, Mike McGuirk. This led to a quick match where Sid Justice came to her rescue and defeated Busick. For weeks, Busick mostly won matches against less experienced wrestlers. He had wins over famous wrestlers like Koko B. Ware and Jim Powers.

Busick then had a short rivalry with the Brooklyn Brawler. The Brawler challenged Busick to see who was the real bully of the WWF. The Brawler won their first match. In a rematch, Busick won in a tricky way when his manager grabbed the Brawler's leg. Busick wrestled against other big names like Bret Hart, The British Bulldog, Kerry Von Erich, Greg Valentine, and Jimmy Snuka. He left the WWF in November 1991.

After leaving WWF, he wrestled on the independent circuit, which means for smaller wrestling companies. He retired from wrestling in 1995. He returned to wrestling for a short time in 2011. His very last match was a victory in Weirton, West Virginia, in April 2013.

Life After Wrestling

After his main wrestling career, Busick worked as an investigator. He also owned a company that made sports nutrition bars. He later worked in casino security.

In 2012, the WWE listed Busick as having one of the best mustaches in WWE history. In 2013, his Big Bully Busick character was named one of the 25 most unusual wrestlers in WWE history. In March 2015, he was honored by being added to the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame. He continued to compete in powerlifting until 2015.

Personal Life

Nicholas Busick was married to his wife Lorie for 32 years. They had three children together. His son, Branko, is a mixed martial arts fighter. Busick's family was of Serbian background. He was involved in the Serbian community in the United States and spoke the language.

Health Challenges

Busick had a heart condition called atrial fibrillation. In 2005, while exercising, he had a cardiac arrest, which means his heart stopped. He was saved by a special device. He later had surgery to help his heart.

In 2015, Busick was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, a type of cancer in the tube that carries food to the stomach. He had surgery and chemotherapy to fight the cancer. In June 2016, he announced he was cancer-free. However, the next year, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had brain surgery.

Death

Nicholas Busick passed away on May 8, 2018. He died in Weirton, West Virginia, where he was receiving special care.

Championships and Accomplishments

• North Georgia Wrestling Alliance
  • NGWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• Keystone State Wrestling Alliance
  • Hall of Fame (2015)