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Big Bully Busick
Big Bully Busick
Big Bully Busick
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Nicholas Busick (June 1, 1954 – May 8, 2018) was an American professional wrestler and police officer, better known by his ring name Big Bully Busick. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1991, where he portrayed a stereotypical bully from the 1920s with a "turtleneck, bowler hat and king-sized cigar".[5] Busick is also known for his appearances with Georgia All-Star Wrestling (GAF) and the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF).[5]

Key Information

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Born in Steubenville, Ohio,[4] Busick grew up in the steel town of Weirton, West Virginia.[6] He was an amateur wrestler at Weir High School, and was also an accomplished powerlifter throughout the 1970s.[4] In 1971, he unsuccessfully attempted to break Jim Williams' bench press record of 635 lb (288 kg).[4] He became a police officer in 1973, at age 19 with the Weirton Police Department. He made his wrestling debut in 1977. Over the next two years, Busick had several more matches with the WWWF (renamed WWF in 1979) when they held shows in the Pittsburgh area, usually as a jobber, though he won at least two matches.[7] He never underwent any other formal training, stating he "learned in the ring".[4] He left WWF in 1981.

In the early 1980s, after being invited to leave the Weirton Police Dept. Busick transferred to the Atlanta Police Department.[4] In Atlanta, he began wrestling for Jerry Blackwell and developed the Bully persona, based on Joe Pedicino's observations of a stereotypical coal miner or steel mill worker.[4] As part of the character, he wore a derby hat and turtleneck sweater, smoked a cigar on the way to the ring, and had a bushy handlebar moustache.[4][5][8]

In early 1991, Busick worked for Global Wrestling Federation in Texas. Occasionally he teamed with Bad News Brown.

In July 1991, Busick debuted in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he continued to utilize the Bully gimmick.[4] In addition to bullying his opponents, Busick (along with his manager Harvey Wippleman) antagonized fans at ringside, committing such acts as popping a child's balloon with his cigar.[2] He even harassed ring announcer Mike McGuirk, which eventually led to a save from opponent Sid Justice in a quick loss for Busick. After having spent weeks primarily squashing enhancement talent including a wins over Koko B. Ware and Jim Powers, Busick entered into a small feud with the Brooklyn Brawler after the Brawler challenged Busick to match to see who was the real bully of the WWF. The Brawler defeated the Bully by countout.[2] A rematch one week later saw the Brawler fail to dominate the Bully with Wippleman grabbing the Brawler's leg leading to a controversial win for the Bully. Busick spent the remainder of his time in the WWF wrestling against Bret Hart, The British Bulldog, Kerry Von Erich, Greg Valentine, and Jimmy Snuka, before leaving the company in November 1991.[4][9] Originally, Busick was supposed to be making his pay-per-view debut at Survivor Series 1991 with Col. Mustafa, The Berzerker, and The Skinner but was replaced by Hercules.[10]

After WWF, he worked in the independent circuit until retiring in 1995.

He returned to wrestling in 2011 participating in independent shows. His last match was a victory over Josef von Schmidt for Five Star Wrestling in Weirton, West Virginia on April 19, 2013.

Post wrestling

[edit]

Alongside fellow wrestler Bill Eadie, Busick worked as a bodyguard in Atlanta.[4] He also worked as a Senior Investigator for Criminal and Civil Investigations, and owned the Big Bully sports nutrition bar company. After returning to Weirton he was employed at Mountaineer Casino and Racetrack in Chester , Wv. as Casino Security Officer and bodyguard to then Casino Manager Ted Arnault[4][11] A 2013 interview noted he kept a low profile wrestling-wise, other than occasional appearances at fan festivals, but did appear as a special guest referee at Deaf Wrestlefest in April 2012.[4][3] He also promoted mixed martial arts events in Ohio.[11] He also continued to compete in powerlifting competitions until 2015.[6]

In November 2012, the WWE listed Busick as having the best mustache in the Top 10 mustaches in WWE history.[12] The Big Bully Busick character was also listed 17 of the 25 most absurd wrestlers in WWE history in 2013.[13] In March 2015, he was inducted in the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame.[3]

Personal life

[edit]

Busick was married to his wife Lorie for 32 years and they had three children together.[4][14] His son Branko is a mixed martial artist.[11] His family is of Serbian descent. He was involved in the Serbian community in the US and spoke the language.

Health problems

[edit]

Busick had chronic atrial fibrillation.[4] While exercising in 2005, he suffered a cardiac arrest and was saved via a defibrillator.[4] He refused to seek hospital treatment at the time, but underwent surgery a few years later to correct the fibrillation.[4]

Death

[edit]

In 2015, Busick was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He initially had trouble swallowing, before bleeding in his throat.[15] He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, during which he went from weighing 265 lb (120 kg) to 187 lb (85 kg).[3][6][15] In June 2016, Busick announced he was cancer-free.[6] The following year, Busick was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent neurosurgery.[14] Busick died on May 8, 2018, in Weirton, West Virginia, where he was receiving hospice care.[16][17]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Big Bully Busick

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Big Bully Busick, whose real name was Nicholas Robert Busick (June 1, 1954 – May 8, 2018), was an American professional wrestler and renowned for his villainous "bully" persona in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the early 1990s. Born in , Busick graduated from Weir High School in 1972 and became one of the youngest sworn officers in the Weirton Police Department at age 19, later attending the Academy. A competitive powerlifter since his teenage years, he transitioned into in 1978, initially competing under his real name or variations like Nick Busick and Powerhouse Busick in promotions such as the (NWA), (AWA), and . Busick's most notable run came in the WWF, where he debuted on August 25, 1991, as Big Bully Busick—a throwback bully character distinguished by his gray derby hat, handlebar mustache, and cigar—managed by Harvey Wippleman. He engaged in feuds with wrestlers including the Brooklyn Brawler in a "Battle of the Bullies" storyline, as well as Bret Hart, Sid Justice, and the British Bulldog, often using his signature "Bully Blaster" heart punch and "Stump Puller" finisher. In 1991, he also debuted the gimmick in the Global Wrestling Federation before his WWF run; his WWF tenure lasted until early 1992, after which he returned to law enforcement and security roles, including as director of the Executive Protection Unit at Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort for 14 years, and wrestled other independents. While battling health issues like chronic and, ultimately, cancer diagnosed in , Busick owned Big Bully Sports Nutrition Bar Company and worked as a safety consultant in the oil and gas industries. Married to Lorie for 32 years, Busick was a father of three—Nichole, , and Branko—and grandfather to three, passing away at age 63 in , surrounded by family.

Early life

Childhood and education

Nicholas Robert Busick was born on June 1, 1954, in , to parents Robert and Zora (Risovich) Busick. He had one known sibling, an infant brother named Fred, who predeceased him in childhood. Growing up in the Ohio Valley region along the -West Virginia border, Busick developed a strong interest in and strength sports from a young age. At 15, he began competing as a powerlifter, eventually setting state and national records in events like the . These early pursuits in weight training and athletic competition laid the foundation for his later physical endeavors. Busick attended Weir High School in nearby , where he also participated in . He graduated with the class of 1972. No records indicate post-secondary education or certifications obtained before turning 18.

Pre-wrestling career

Prior to entering , Nick Busick established a career in , joining the police force in 1973 at the age of 19 and working for departments in and , Georgia. His roles involved duties and defensive tactics training, experiences that honed his physical resilience and authoritative demeanor, which later informed the tough, intimidating persona he adopted in the ring. Busick also served as an instructor in police academies, imparting knowledge on safety protocols and techniques drawn from his on-the-job encounters, such as handling confrontations and maintaining control in high-stress situations. These responsibilities, combined with his prior achievements as a champion powerlifter in the —where he set multiple records in divisions—built the exceptional strength and conditioning essential for his transition to wrestling. In 1977, while still employed as a in the Atlanta area, Busick pursued his interest in wrestling by convincing promoter and trainer Mike Paidousis to provide him with a one-week intensive training course focused on fundamental and ring psychology. This brief but rigorous preparation led to his professional debut in 1978 under the ring name Nick Busick, marking the start of his moonlighting efforts in the sport alongside his duties. Early in his career, he also competed as Powerhouse Busick, leveraging his background to emphasize brute strength in matches.

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit beginnings

Nick Busick began his professional wrestling career in 1978, initially competing in regional independent promotions in Georgia while working as a in the area. His early appearances were in small-scale events, where he wrestled under his real name and built experience through jobber roles and preliminary matches. This background in inspired elements of his tough-guy persona, emphasizing physical intimidation and authority. Busick gained prominence in , a key promotion, where he established himself as a reliable performer in the southern U.S. circuit during the late 1970s and 1980s. In these promotions, he engaged in feuds against local fan favorites, portraying a dominant who overpowered opponents to draw crowd heat. For instance, in related southern independents like the Professional Wrestling Federation (PWF) in 1989, Busick feuded with , culminating in a Russian chain match loss on September 7 for the PWF Championship. In the late , Busick developed the iconic Big Bully Busick character while working in independent promotions, adopting a 1920s-era bully complete with a turtleneck , bowler (or ), bushy handlebar mustache, and a king-sized to evoke a street tough. The persona was conceptualized by promoter Joe Pedicino, who noted Busick's imposing build and demeanor as fitting a classic bully archetype. This character amplified his role, focusing on cowardly tactics and physical dominance in matches. During heel turns in the independent scene, Busick briefly adopted the ring name Comrade Busick, portraying a faux-Russian to heighten territorial rivalries in southern promotions. This variation allowed for versatile storytelling, transitioning from his standard tough persona to a Cold War-era villain before solidifying the Big Bully identity.

World Wrestling Federation stint

Nick Busick signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in mid-1991, making his national television debut as Big Bully Busick on the August 25 episode of , where he defeated via submission with the Stump Puller in 1:16. Accompanied by manager , Busick portrayed a bully character dressed in a red turtleneck, bowler hat, and sporting a thick handlebar mustache—a persona rooted in his prior independent work. Busick's initial push involved squashing enhancement talent on syndicated programming like and Prime Time Wrestling, including victories over Russ Greenberg on August 3 and Phil Apollo on August 19. He soon entered a brief with The Brooklyn Brawler in September and October 1991, centered on determining the WWF's premier "bully," resulting in a win for Busick on via pinfall in 4:52 and a loss by count-out four days earlier. By late 1991, Busick shifted to a feud with patriotic powerhouse "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, highlighted by encounters such as Duggan's pinfall victory over Busick at 8:12 during the WWF event at the UIC Pavilion in on August 26—the same day as the —and a televised loss to Duggan via clothesline on the November 11 episode of . Busick also suffered a quick defeat to Sid Justice on September 10 via in 0:37 on Wrestling Challenge and engaged in matches against , losing the Championship match on the November 23 episode of Superstars, as well as losses to the British Bulldog in October. Busick's WWF tenure ended abruptly in November 1991 when he chose to depart the promotion ahead of , where he had been slated for a match but was replaced by ; in a , Busick attributed the exit to a combination of factors, including a perceived lack of booking momentum.

Global Wrestling Federation and later promotions

The Big Bully Busick gimmick, developed in late-1980s independent promotions, made its debut in the (GWF) in mid-1991, prior to his WWF run, positioning him as a who intimidated opponents with brawling tactics and like the Bully Blaster heart punch. Following his departure from the WWF later in 1991, Busick returned to the GWF and other regional independents, where he continued to employ his signature bully —a town characterized by a derby hat, , and handlebar mustache—across smaller promotions. Busick's GWF tenure featured active pursuit of the promotion's Television Championship through a tournament in June and July 1991, where he advanced by defeating Jimmy James on June 28 and on June 29 before falling to in the semi-final on June 29. He secured additional victories, including over on July 5 and again on July 19, while engaging in action alongside Bad News Brown, defeating Terry Daniels and The Patriot on July 26 but losing by disqualification to The Renegade Warriors in a follow-up bout the same night. These matches highlighted feuds with mid-card talents like Landel and Chris Walker, the latter pinning Busick by disqualification on July 19, emphasizing his aggressive, rule-bending style as a persistent . Although his GWF run extended into early 1992 with sporadic appearances, it solidified the bully character's viability in territorial wrestling before and after his national exposure. Post-WWF, Busick focused on independent circuits in his home region of and , evolving the through consistent portrayals against jobbers and mid-card opponents in local venues, often drawing on his brawler roots to dominate shorter bouts. In 1994, he teamed with Bill Phillips to defeat Psycho Mike and T. Rantula in the United States Wrestling League (USWL) event in , on April 30, showcasing dynamics within the bully framework. The following year, in 1995, Busick challenged for the International Wrestling Association (IWA) Intercontinental Championship, losing by disqualification to champion Preston Steele on February 4 in , , and fell to in a Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling (CAPW) match on January 28 in , further establishing his role as a formidable but contentious in regional title scenes. Into the 2000s, Busick maintained a part-time schedule in and independents, using the bully persona for occasional headline spots against lesser-known talents and mid-carders, such as in fundraisers and local cards that preserved his intimidating presence without major storylines. He appeared in Wrestling (FSW) events in Weirton, including a 2011 tag team title loss with The System Elite to Dash Bennett and The Hansen Brothers on November 12, where the defeat highlighted his enduring heel tactics in smaller territories. These regional outings, often in venues like Krazy About Sports, allowed Busick to adapt the gimmick for intimate crowds, bullying opponents with signature taunts and power-based offense while balancing his post-wrestling career.

Retirement match

After years of semi-retirement, Big Bully Busick made a one-off return to the ring on April 19, 2013, defeating Josef von Schmidt in a no-disqualification German bodyslam match for Five Star Wrestling at Krazy About Sports in . The appearance was motivated by Busick's desire to provide a proper farewell for his local fans, whom he relished performing for, and his longstanding ties to the regional wrestling scene, including connections through promoter Ken Jugan and prior events in the area. At nearly 59 years old, Busick demonstrated remarkable physical prowess, squatting 600 pounds and bench pressing over 500 pounds, with his 2005 surgery for showing no recurrence at the time. This victory marked the conclusion of his 36-year wrestling career, serving as a final showcase in a small, intimate venue filled with supportive hometown enthusiasts.

Post-wrestling activities

Security and business ventures

After retiring from full-time professional wrestling in the mid-1990s, Nick Busick, known as Big Bully Busick, leveraged his prior experience as an Atlanta police officer to enter the private security field. His law enforcement background directly aided this shift, enabling him to take on roles requiring expertise in high-risk environments. In the Atlanta area, he worked as a bodyguard, collaborating with fellow wrestler Bill Eadie on security assignments. Busick also established a career as an investigator specializing in high-risk security operations. Additionally, he served as a casino security officer and bodyguard, including protecting casino management personnel at Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort for 14 years. He also worked as a safety consultant in the oil and gas industries. These positions provided steady employment in the post-1990s era, focusing on personal protection and investigative services rather than public policing. In 2009, Busick launched Big Bully Nutrition, a sports nutrition company centered on enhanced with . The business model emphasized therapeutic benefits, particularly for improving circulation and addressing health issues common among athletes, such as those faced by wrestlers; Busick developed the product after researching solutions to cardiovascular problems in the industry. The flagship item, the Bully Blast bar, contained five grams of pharmaceutical-grade formula combined with protein, marketed as the world's first such bar for and recovery. He promoted the bars through wrestling networks and fitness outlets, operating the venture until his death in 2018. During his semi-retirement from in-ring competition, Busick remained active in the wrestling community by participating in independent shows, including events in Georgia and as late as 2013. This involvement allowed him to maintain connections while prioritizing his and entrepreneurial pursuits, though specific financial details of the transition, such as revenue from contracts or sales, are not publicly documented.

Involvement in MMA and powerlifting

Around 2013, Nick Busick ventured into promotion, organizing events under the Big Bully MMA banner in . He hosted three such events, drawing on his established reputation in combat sports to feature regional fighters. One prominent example was the May 25, 2013, event at The Spot Bar in , where his son Branko Busick lost to Curt Lemmon by unanimous decision in a title bout. These promotions allowed Busick to bridge his wrestling network with emerging MMA talent. Parallel to his MMA efforts, Busick maintained a rigorous commitment to , competing actively from his teenage years into his later life. A world-class lifter during the 1970s, he challenged notable records, including an attempt on Jim Williams' mark, and secured multiple placements in national competitions. In the 1980s, under the United States Powerlifting Federation (USPF), he earned first place at the 1984 Ambridge VFW Open. His personal bests included a squat of 320 pounds, of 240.4 pounds, of 297.5 pounds, and total of 825 pounds. Busick's pursuits extended into the masters divisions.

Personal life and health

Family and relationships

Busick married Lorie Busick in the early 1980s, and their union lasted 32 years. The couple had three children: daughter Nichole Felouzis and sons Robert Busick and Branko Busick. Robert serves as a state trooper, while Branko has pursued a professional career as a mixed martial arts fighter, competing in promotions with a record of 7 wins and 6 losses. He was also a grandfather to three. Originally from the Ohio Valley region, the family relocated to Georgia in the 1980s, where Busick worked as a police investigator in , before returning to his hometown area in , due to family health needs. The rigors of Busick's wrestling career, including frequent travel, placed strains on family life, yet his wife and children remained a source of unwavering support, as noted by relatives who described him as a devoted husband and father.

Health challenges

Busick suffered from chronic throughout much of his adult life, including during his wrestling career. In 2005, while exercising on a at a fitness center, he went into and was revived after five minutes using a defibrillator. In April 2015, Nicholas Busick, known professionally as Big Bully Busick, was diagnosed with stage 4 after months of experiencing difficulty swallowing, a symptom that began while he was training for a senior division competition. This diagnosis prompted him to end his long-standing involvement in , an activity he had pursued competitively since his teenage years. Busick began treatment immediately, starting with his first round of on May 6, 2015, which involved intensive three-day sessions. He underwent surgery on August 14, 2015, to address the cancer, requiring a 14-day stay. Supported by his family throughout this period, Busick endured significant physical and financial strain from the treatments. In June 2016, Busick announced he was cancer-free following successful interventions, and he publicly shared his story of overcoming the disease as an inspirational speaker, emphasizing his resilience. However, in 2017, a was discovered, linked to the cancer's return, leading to and a marked decline in his health, including periods where he was unable to get out of bed.

Legacy

Championships and accomplishments

Busick captured the NGWA Heavyweight Championship once during his tenure in regional independent wrestling, establishing himself as a dominant force in smaller promotions. In the , he advanced to the semi-finals of the Television Title Tournament in 1991, showcasing his competitive edge against established competitors. Busick earned recognition in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's annual rankings, placing at #84 in the PWI 500 for 1991 among the top singles wrestlers worldwide. Busick was inducted into the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in March 2015. A notable non-title honor came from , where his signature handlebar mustache was ranked #1 in Kaitlyn's list of the top 10 Superstar mustaches in 2012, highlighting the iconic visual element of his bully persona.

In memoriam

Nicholas Robert Busick, known professionally as Big Bully Busick, passed away on May 8, 2018, in , at the age of 63 due to complications from cancer while in care. His health had declined significantly following a of spinal cancer in 2017. Funeral services were held at Everhart-Bove Funeral Home in Wintersville, Ohio, with visitation on May 11, 2018, from 3 to 8 p.m., followed by a Pomen service at 7:30 p.m. Additional visitation occurred on May 12, 2018, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church in Steubenville, Ohio, with the funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m. Burial took place at Serbian Orthodox Cemetery in Weirton. Busick was survived by his wife of 32 years, Lorie, and their three children: Nichole, Robert, and Branko, along with three grandchildren. His wife announced the news of his passing, noting he was surrounded by family at the time. WWE issued a statement expressing sadness over Busick's death, highlighting his role as a notorious villain in the early and extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans. In the community, where Busick began his career and remained a local figure, peers and friends remembered him for his kindness, compassion, and lasting influence on youth through wrestling events like the OVAC championships. His unique bully persona, characterized by a derby hat and mustache, left an indelible mark on the regional scene, inspiring wrestlers with its tough, throwback style.

References

  1. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/189608967/nicholas_robert-busick
  2. https://www.heraldstaronline.com/obituaries/2018/05/nicholas-busick/
  3. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/nick-busick/
  4. https://www.wwe.com/article/big-bully-busick-passes
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYYRbH2P9RA
  6. https://wrestletalk.com/news/big-bully-busick-dies-at-63/
  7. https://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/306070-ready-to-be-bullied-nick-busick-takes-sports-jabbers-questions
  8. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=3458
  9. https://slamwrestling.net/interviews/busick-bullies-his-way-through-heart-issue-for-one-more-match/
  10. https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/obituaries/2018/05/nicholas-busick/
  11. https://wtov9.com/news/local/remember-nick-big-bully-busick
  12. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/306070-ready-to-be-bullied-nick-busick-takes-sports-jabbers-questions
  13. https://wtov9.com/news/local/big-bully-busick-passes-away-at-63
  14. http://admin.pgjonline.com/magazine/2015/april-2015-vol-242-no-4/features/big-bully-busicks-mantra-know-safety-no-accidents
  15. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=1068
  16. https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/big-bully-busick-wwe-dead/
  17. https://www.wwe.com/videos/big-bully-busick-vs-mario-mancini-wrestling-challenge-august-25-1991
  18. https://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/kaitlyns-top-10-superstar-mustaches
  19. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=3458&page=4
  20. https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1991/
  21. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/big-bully-busick-responds-to-former-manager/
  22. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Big_Bully_Busick
  23. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/gwf/
  24. https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/sports/local-sports/2013/04/big-bully-back-in-the-ring/
  25. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=235480
  26. https://www.fightful.com/mma/former-wwe-wrestler-and-mma-promoter-nick-big-bully-busick-passes-away-age-63/
  27. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/big-bully-mma-curt-lemmon-vs-branko-busick
  28. https://www.openpowerlifting.org/u/nickbusick
  29. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/48117-branko-busick
  30. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Branko-Busick-249509
  31. https://slamwrestling.net/legend/big-bully-busick/
  32. https://wrestlerdeaths.com/big-bully-busick-death/
  33. https://www.postwrestling.com/2018/05/08/nick-big-bully-busick-passes-away-at-63/
  34. https://www.gofundme.com/f/wh7cck
  35. https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/retired-wrestler-big-bully-busick-defeats-cancer/
  36. https://gerweck.net/2020/12/22/big-bully-busick/
  37. http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/1991.html
  38. http://www.kswa.net/kswahof1.html
  39. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2775046-former-wwe-superstar-nick-big-bully-busick-dies-at-age-63
  40. https://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/nick-busick-1080.html
  41. https://www.everhart-bovefuneralhomes.com/obituary/Nicholas-Busick
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