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Chris Chetti

Christopher Chetti (born July 16, 1974) is an American professional wrestler, best known for his tenure in (ECW) from 1996 to 2001, where he debuted as the first graduate of the promotion's training facility. Trained by his cousin, the wrestler Taz, and , Chetti competed primarily as a technician in the singles and divisions, often partnering with under the management of Lou E. Dangerously. His ECW career highlighted his early potential as a mid-card performer, though he never captured a major title in the promotion before its closure. Following ECW's bankruptcy in 2001, Chetti appeared in independent promotions such as (XPW), Jersey Championship Wrestling (JCW), and Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW), where he won two MCW BMF/Television Championships and, in 2024, the Outlaw Wrestling Tag Team Championship alongside Doring. Born in , to a wrestling family—his brother Joe Chetti also competed professionally—Chris adopted the "The Rookie" early in his career and incorporated moves like into his repertoire. He toured internationally early in his career, including in (FMW) in 1998, before retiring from full-time wrestling in 2005; he made sporadic part-time returns, including appearances in 2023 and 2024.

Early life

Family background

Christopher Chetti was born on July 16, 1974, in , though some sources list his birthplace as the nearby Copiague in . Chetti's included his older brother, Joe Chetti, born on November 19, 1963, who also entered the industry under the ring name . The brothers shared a close bond, with Joe's involvement in wrestling providing an early familial link to the sport. On the extended side, Chetti is a cousin to professional wrestler Taz (Peter Senerchia), whose career in the industry would later influence him as a mentor. This connection extends to Taz's son, (Tyler Senerchia), making Hook Chetti's first cousin once removed and underscoring the wrestling dynasty within the family. Chetti's childhood unfolded in a environment, where familial ties to wrestling sparked interest. Taz, as a family member, later played a key role in his training.

Introduction to wrestling

Chris Chetti developed an early fascination with through exposure to the Northeast independent scene in the early 1990s, where he frequently attended local shows and watched World Wrestling Federation (WWF) programming as a fan. This period marked his initial immersion in the industry, particularly drawn to the technical prowess of wrestlers emphasizing precision and athleticism over spectacle. A significant catalyst for Chetti's interest came from his familial ties to the wrestling world, as his Taz was already an established performer in regional promotions. In his early 20s, Chetti engaged in discussions with Taz about the realities and demands of the profession, which ignited a deeper curiosity. Chetti had a background in , having competed since age 4, including in high school, college, and national tournaments. Taz, recognizing potential in his relative, provided ongoing guidance that highlighted the opportunities and challenges within the business. These conversations ultimately motivated Chetti to take concrete steps toward a career, prompted by Taz's direct encouragement to join the newly established wrestling school in 1995 or 1996. This enrollment represented a pivotal shift for Chetti, transforming his role from enthusiastic spectator to committed aspiring professional. The family's wrestling heritage, exemplified by Taz's success, further reinforced this path without overshadowing Chetti's personal drive. Prior to any formal training, Chetti envisioned adopting a wrestling approach, prioritizing speed, agility, and ground-based maneuvers to build a foundation in the ring, even as he anticipated adapting to the evolving styles of the era. This initial focus aligned with his admiration for skilled performers he had observed, setting the stage for his entry into the professional landscape.

Professional wrestling career

Training and ECW debut (1996–1998)

Chris Chetti began his professional wrestling training as the first graduate of House of Hardcore wrestling school in 1996, where he was personally mentored by his cousin Taz, along with . The program emphasized technical wrestling fundamentals, submission holds influenced by Taz's suplex and grappling expertise, and foundational resilience for ECW's hardcore environment. Chetti made his in-ring debut on September 21, 1996, at an house show in Middletown, , teaming with Pat Day as the "Erotic Experience" under the ring name "G.Q. Gorgeous" against The , where they lost by pinfall after a competitive tag match. His televised debut followed on the January 30, 1997, episode of , wrestling as "Chris Van de Lay" in a singles match against , which he lost via submission. In these initial appearances, Chetti frequently took on jobber roles against more experienced competitors to build match experience and ring awareness. Chetti secured his first victory on February 22, 1997, at ECW's CyberSlam event, defeating Little Guido in a singles match that highlighted his emerging underdog tenacity against the established Italian-American competitor. By early 1998, he paired with in a tag team capacity, defeating the (FBI)—Little Guido and —at Hostile City Showdown on January 31, showcasing crisp chain wrestling sequences. The duo repeated the feat against the on March 1 at Living Dangerously, solidifying Chetti's position as a reliable mid-card technician within ECW's roster. Throughout this period, Chetti developed a wrestling style centered on agility, precise chain wrestling, and athletic maneuvers, which stood in contrast to ECW's prevalent brawling and weapon-heavy matches. Encounters with agile technicians like Whipwreck and further honed his underdog persona, positioning him as a resilient up-and-comer capable of holding his own in fast-paced bouts.

Tag team runs and feuds (1999–2001)

In 1999, Chris Chetti formed a tag team partnership with in (ECW), marking a significant elevation in his mid-card status. Their debut as a unit came at CyberSlam on April 3, where they defeated Rod Price and Skull Von Krush in a match, showcasing Chetti's technical complemented by Nova's high-flying maneuvers. This victory established them as a promising duo, blending athleticism with lighthearted elements drawn from Nova's superhero persona. The team quickly gained traction as fan favorites, engaging in multiple high-profile feuds that highlighted their chemistry and entertainment value. Chetti and secured victories over and on several house shows and televised events, including a notable win on the April 1, 1999, episode of , contributing to their rising popularity through comedic entrance antics and synchronized spots. By 2000, they reached peak acclaim, defeating Da Baldies ( and ) in a three-way match also involving Doring and Roadkill at Hardcore Heaven on May 14, where Chetti and Nova were the sole survivors after eliminating both opposing teams. Their style emphasized teamwork, with over 50 combined tag matches during this period focusing on technical precision and aerial offense rather than hardcore brawling, though they never pursued singles championships. Tensions arose in August 2000 when Chetti betrayed during a bout at the Midtown Massacre events, turning and aligning with manager Lou E. Dangerously, which ignited a personal rivalry centered on broken trust. The feud escalated to a "loser leaves town" singles match at on November 5, where defeated Chetti with a Kryptonite Krunch, enforcing Chetti's temporary departure from . Chetti made a brief return on January 7, 2001, at Guilty as Charged, serving as a substitute referee in Nova's match against and controversially favoring Hamrick by counting a premature pinfall before intervened to ensure a fair outcome. ECW's filing in April 2001 concluded Chetti's tenure with the promotion, ending his tag team era amid the company's financial collapse.

Independent circuit and retirement (2001–2005)

Following the closure of Extreme Championship Wrestling in 2001, Chris Chetti transitioned to the independent wrestling scene, appearing in promotions such as Midwest Championship Wrestling (MCW), USA Pro Wrestling (UPW), and Phoenix Championship Wrestling (PCW). In MCW, he captured and defended the MCW Television Championship twice, notably regaining the title from Magnificent Mike on January 26, 2002. His UPW appearances included a disqualification victory over Kevin Sullivan at the Big Dick Dudley Memorial Show on June 8, 2002. Similarly, in PCW, Chetti competed in a six-man tag team match on May 17, 2002, teaming with Frankie Kazarian and Nova to defeat Christian York, Joey Matthews, and Cham Pain. These bookings often drew on his prior ECW tag team experience to position him in multi-man or alumni-driven contests across the Northeast indie circuits. Chetti's run in (XPW) began with a debut over on October 5, 2002. Additional XPW outings included losses to opponents like on November 16, 2002, and on December 21, 2002, as well as a failed bid for the XPW Championship with on February 14, 2003. During this independent period, Chetti also reactivated the FTW Heavyweight Championship in Championship Wrestling (MCW) on November 23, 2002, before losing it to on July 16, 2003, in a match where Doring unified it with the MCW Heavyweight Championship. He made frequent appearances in other Northeast promotions like 3PW and CZW, facing alumni such as and engaging in tag and singles matches, though these efforts yielded no significant national exposure or momentum rebuild. By 2004–2005, Chetti's activity dwindled due to chronic back issues stemming from the hardcore style of his ECW tenure, which worsened during his indie dates. His final matches came at events in 2005, including a win over and with on June 10, and losses to on September 16. He announced his later that year, citing the inability to perform at his previous level amid the ongoing . Chetti later reflected on the independent circuit as a means to remain active post-, but noted its lack of structured opportunities hindered any substantial career resurgence.

Comebacks and later appearances (2013–present)

After retiring from in-ring competition in 2005 due to a back injury sustained during his run, Chris Chetti made a one-off return to on April 5, 2013, at the Pro Wrestling Syndicate's Supercard 2013 Night 2 event in . Teaming with his former partner Nova, Chetti defeated Shane Helms (also known as Hurricane Helms) and Starman in a nostalgic match that highlighted their past partnership. This appearance was positioned as a special reunion tied to 's enduring legacy, drawing on fan interest in the promotion's alumni without signaling a broader comeback. From 2013 to 2023, Chetti remained largely absent from active wrestling, focusing instead on priorities and recovery from prior injuries, while making occasional non-wrestling appearances at fan conventions and ECW-themed events. His limited involvement during this decade-long hiatus underscored a deliberate step back from the physical demands of the ring, though he stayed connected to the wrestling community through sessions and panel discussions celebrating ECW's history. Chetti broke his extended hiatus with another tag team match on December 14, 2023, at Create A Pro Wrestling's Frostbite 2 event in . Partnering with Create A Pro founder , he defeated the team of GKM and Leo Sparrow (billed as the Birds of the Sun) in an eight-minute bout that emphasized nostalgia over high-stakes competition. This return, announced as his first in-ring outing in ten years, was framed as a celebratory moment for Northeast indie fans, aligning with Chetti's reluctance to pursue a full-time schedule. As of November 2025, Chetti maintains no regular wrestling commitments, prioritizing his health and family while expressing openness to mentoring younger talent in the Northeast independent scene. He has indicated potential for future spot appearances at legacy events, driven primarily by ongoing fan demand rather than ambitions for titles or extensive tours. These selective engagements reflect his commitment to preserving his contributions without risking further physical strain.

Championships and accomplishments

Major championships

Throughout his independent wrestling career following his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling, Chris Chetti secured several regional championships, reflecting his status as a versatile journeyman performer in mid-card and divisions rather than a dominant main-event star. These titles, all from smaller promotions, highlighted his technical prowess and high-flying abilities in localized circuits across the Northeast and Midwest . He held no official titles during his ECW tenure from 1996 to 2001. Chetti's first notable independent title was the NWA Midwest BMF Championship (also known as the MCW BMF/Television Championship), which he won twice in Midwest Championship Wrestling (MCW). His first reign began on August 4, 2001, when he defeated in a singles match. He lost the title to Magnificent Mike on December 1, 2001, but regained it on January 26, 2002, through a battle royal-style match, holding it for 245 days until losing to Brad Bradley on September 28, 2002. These reigns underscored his adaptability in multi-man formats and singles competition typical of regional -affiliated shows. In the Northeast Promotions Wrestling Alliance (NPWA), Chetti teamed with Qenaan Creed to capture the NPWA Tag Team Championship once in 2003, defending it against local competitors through 2004 and emphasizing tandem high-flying maneuvers that became a hallmark of their partnership in the indie scene. Chetti also excelled in singles competition by winning the Light Heavyweight Championship once in 2004 within a Wrestling variant promotion, where the title reign allowed him to demonstrate his agile, technical style against similarly sized opponents in Pennsylvania-based events. Complementing this, he and partner Danny Jaxx claimed the Championship once that same year, focusing on synchronized aerial offense that elevated their status in the promotion's undercard. Further north, Chetti earned the UWF Light Heavyweight Championship once in 2003 on the circuit via a victory, a format that played to his strengths in endurance-based matches and solidified his reputation among regional talents. His collection included the Wrestling Superstars United Light Heavyweight Championship, held once around 2004 in a short-term regional role that provided additional exposure in fragmented indie bookings. In 2024, during a part-time comeback, Chetti and longtime partner won the Outlaw Wrestling Tag Team Championship on March 2, defeating The Audacity (Micah Cortez and Seth Cortez), adding to their history of success. Additionally, Chetti briefly claimed the defunct FTW Heavyweight Championship in November 2002 by proclamation after 's closure, holding it unofficially until losing it to on July 16, 2003; this reign was disputed and not recognized by major promotions like XPW.

Tournament wins and accolades

Chris Chetti earned recognition as the first graduate of Extreme Championship Wrestling's wrestling school in 1996, where he trained under mentors including his cousin Taz and , marking an early accolade that highlighted his foundational role in ECW's developmental talent pool. In 2004, Chetti teamed with to win the New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC) Title #1 Contendership Gauntlet Match on January 10 at the event in , defeating multiple teams in an elimination format, with their final victory over (Joey Braggiol and Lamar Braxton Porter). This triumph provided a prestige boost during his phase, though it did not result in a title reign. Chetti's contributions to 's tag team division were later acknowledged through archive footage appearances in the 2004 documentary The Rise and Fall of ECW, which featured his matches and feuds, such as with , underscoring his role in the promotion's history. These honors, including his alumni status, helped establish his credibility on the independent scene but did not lead to major promotional pushes. While Chetti participated in various battle royals and multi-man matches, such as MCW events in , the NYWC stands as his most notable victory, with no major successes recorded.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Chris Chetti has been married to Stephanie Golden since April 2, , and the couple has one child. He was previously married to Montoya. Following his from full-time wrestling, Chetti has prioritized his family life, maintaining a low public profile to focus on personal responsibilities. Chetti shares a close bond with his brother, Joe Chetti, who pursued a brief career in independent wrestling, including a stint as The Tazmaniacs alongside their Taz in the early . The brothers' familial ties are rooted in the family's wrestling heritage. As the of retired wrestler Taz (Peter Senerchia), Chetti is part of an extended wrestling family that includes Taz's son, (Tyler Senerchia). This connection underscores the interconnected dynamics among alumni families. Chetti resides on , .

Health challenges

Chetti's back injury originated from the cumulative physical toll of executing hardcore bumps in () and the extensive travel demands of the independent circuit. By 2005, the severe back pain had escalated to the point where it triggered his full retirement from wrestling, a fate shared by many alumni grappling with chronic spinal conditions from the promotion's high-risk style. His subsequent comebacks have been restricted to tag team matches to avoid high-risk maneuvers. In 2013, he teamed with for a victory at Pro Wrestling Syndicate's Super Card. Chetti made another appearance in 2023 at Create A Pro Frostbite 2, partnering with . In 2025, Chetti made appearances at wrestling conventions, such as a visit to The Wrestling Universe Store in September.

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