Don Callis

Don Callis is a Canadian former Professional Wrestler, best known as Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) Colour Commentator Cyrus the Virus. Though he is a trained wrestler, his biggest asset is his charisma.

Career

Don Callis became a wrestler after looking for a sport to play while attending the University of Manitoba, where he earned a Degree in Political Studies. He was trained by local wrestling promoter Tony Condello and debuted in 1989. Wrestling under the name Don Casablancas, Callis formed a tag team with Rick Martel known as "The Supermodels". He also teamed with The Psycho as "The Mercenaries of Mayhem" under the tutelage of their manager The Golden Sheik.

In 1990 Callis debuted with the West Four Wrestling Alliance, where he became a five time Heavyweight Champion.

Callis began a heated feud with former partner Rick Martel in June, 1994. He also toured in Japan, South Africa and Lebanon. He received a tryout match with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1996, and was eventually hired as a manager.

On September 20, 1997, Callis debuted in the WWF as "The Jackyl", the leader of a group of Canadian wrestlers known as the "Truth Commission" (a take on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission). The stable was not particularly successful, with their biggest achievement being their victory over the "Disciples of Apocalypse" at the 1997 Survivor Series.

Callis returned to television in 1998, forming a stable known as "The Parade of Human Oddities". The group consisted of "freakish" wrestlers, including the masked "Earthquake" John Tenta as "Golga" and Howard Stern Show regular Hank the Angry Drunken Dwarf, and had entrance music performed by the Insane Clown Posse. The stable did not last long, and Callis eventually became the manager of Hell's Henchmen. He requested and was granted a release from the WWF later that year.

In late 1999, Callis debuted in ECW as "Cyrus", a commentator who was presented as working for TNN. His character represented many of the real problems between ECW and TNN at that point, as he constantly criticised the violent nature of ECW programming. Callis teamed with the anti-hardcore Steve Corino, and eventually formed a stable with Corino, Yoshihiro Tajiri and Rhyno known as "The Network". He engaged in a long-term feud with commentator Joel Gertner, which culminated in a match on October 1, 2000 at the "Anarchy Rulez" event, in which Gertner was triumphant. ECW would declare bankruptcy soon after.

With ECW gone and World Championship Wrestling purchased by the WWE, Callis returned to University, eventually becoming a Master of Business Administration. He also briefly operated the No Holds Barred Wrestling Camp, a Winnipeg based wrestling training camp.

In 2003 Callis debuted in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) as a "Management Consultant". He engaged in a power struggle with then Director of Authority Erik Watts, and used his power to make life difficult for Jerry Lynn, repeatedly fining and suspending hum. On January 28, 2004 Callis succeeded in ousting Watts from TNA when he defeated him in a match for control of TNA.

Callis departed TNA on good terms later that year, having been offered a job in International trade that made use of his MBA. As of 2005, Callis is all but retired from professional wrestling.

Finishing/Signature Moves

• Claw
• Superkick
• Figure Four Leglock

Quotes

• "Excuse me... Excuse me..."

Personal

Don Callis has expressed an interest in participating in Canadian National Politics. He has previously worked as a Media Relations Specialist for the Federal Conservative Party, and was once given the opportunity to stand in the Manitoba provincial elections as a Progressive Conservative).

Championships/Accomplishments

Border City Wrestling

• 1-time BCW Can-Am Tag Team Champion (with Terry Taylor)

West Four Wrestling Alliance

• 5-time WFWA Canadian Heavyweight