Nelson Frazier Jr., better known by his wrestling personas Mabel, King Mabel, Viscera, and Big Daddy V, was a force to be reckoned with in the squared circle. Throughout his career, he dominated opponents with his immense size and strength, leaving a lasting impression on professional wrestling fans of the 1990s and 2000s. This article delves into the life and career of Viscera, exploring his various characters, championship victories, and his impact on the wrestling world.
From Humble Beginnings to Wrestling Greatness
Born in 1971 in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Frazier Jr. He began his training in 1991 under the tutelage of veteran wrestler Gene Anderson. After honing his skills on the independent circuit, Frazier Jr. caught the eye of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Men on a Mission: Tag Team Triumph with Mabel
Frazier Jr.’s debut in the WWF came in 1993 under the name Mabel. He was immediately paired with Mo, forming the tag team Men on a Mission. Clad in vibrant purple and gold attire, the duo brought a unique blend of power and charisma to the ring. Their dominance quickly gained them recognition, culminating in a victory over The Quebecers to capture the WWF World Tag Team Championship in 1994.
Mabel’s imposing physique and surprisingly agile moveset made him a standout member of the team. He was often the powerhouse, taking down opponents with brutal slams and splashes. Men on a Mission’s reign at the top was short-lived, but it established Frazier Jr.
King of the Ring: The Rise and Fall of King Mabel
After disbanding from Men on a Mission, Mabel embarked on a singles career. His in-ring prowess and undeniable charisma led to a significant push from the WWF. In 1995, he participated in the prestigious King of the Ring tournament, defeating established stars like Savio Vega and Bam Bam Bigelow en route to victory. The win earned him the coveted “King Mabel” moniker.
King Mabel’s reign was marked by over-the-top arrogance and a sense of entitlement. He feuded with some of the biggest names in the industry, including The Undertaker and Diesel. However, despite his dominance, King Mabel never quite captured the WWF Championship. His main event match against Diesel at SummerSlam 1995 ended in a controversial disqualification, marking a turning point in his momentum.
A Change in Scenery: The Ministry and Viscera’s Introduction
After a period of declining feuds, Frazier Jr. took a hiatus from the WWF. He returned in 1998, this time under a new persona – Viscera. Now sporting a menacing look with pale skin, black attire, and a shaved head, Viscera aligned himself with The Undertaker’s dark and mysterious Ministry of Darkness.
As Viscera, Frazier Jr. embraced a more sinister role. He acted as The Undertaker’s enforcer, utilizing his immense strength to demolish opponents and further the Ministry’s agenda. This darker persona showcased a different side of Frazier Jr.’s talent, allowing him to contribute significantly to one of the most iconic factions in wrestling history.
Championship Glory: The Reign of the Hardcore Champion
The year 2000 saw Viscera capture his first and only singles championship in the WWF. He participated in a Hardcore Battle Royal at WrestleMania 2000, a chaotic match where the title could change hands anywhere in the arena. With his brute force, Viscera emerged victorious, becoming the WWF Hardcore Champion.
Viscera’s reign as Hardcore Champion was short-lived, but it cemented his place as a capable competitor beyond tag team success. The win also showcased his adaptability, demonstrating his ability to thrive in various wrestling styles.
The World’s Largest Love Machine: A Unique Gimmick
After another hiatus, Frazier Jr. returned to the rebranded World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2004 under the name Viscera once again. However, this time, he took on a more unexpected persona – The World’s Largest Love Machine.
This bizarre gimmick saw Viscera paired with various female wrestlers, often pursuing romantic angles. While undeniably strange, the gimmick did garner some attention and allowed Frazier Jr. to display his comedic timing. However, it also marked a shift towards a less serious role, a departure from his previous intimidating characters.
Final Years and Legacy
Frazier Jr.’s later career in WWE saw him primarily involved in mid-card feuds and comedic segments. He also wrestled under the name Big Daddy V for a brief period before ultimately leaving the company in 2013.
FAQ’S
Who was Viscera?
Viscera, whose real name was Nelson Frazier Jr., was an American professional wrestler. He competed in various promotions throughout his career, but is best known for his time in World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/WWE) under several ring names including Mabel, King Mabel, Viscera, Vis, and Big Daddy V.
What were Viscera’s biggest accomplishments?
While never reaching the pinnacle of WWE Champion, Viscera had a successful career. He won the Hardcore Championship once and the World Tag Team Championship alongside Mo as part of the Men on a Mission tag team.
How big and strong was Viscera?
Viscera was a true wrestling giant. Standing at an impressive 6’6″ and weighing in at his heaviest around 554 pounds, he was one of the biggest wrestlers in WWF/WWE history.
Did Viscera have any memorable storylines?
Yes! One of his most entertaining feuds was alongside Mo in Men on a Mission. They were a charismatic babyface (good guy) tag team known for their entrance with a mop and bucket. Later in his career, Viscera had a humorous stint where he developed a crush on ring announcer Lilian Garcia.
Why don’t we hear much about Viscera today?
Unfortunately, Viscera passed away in 2014 at the age of 43. Additionally, WWE sometimes downplays the careers of wrestlers who left the company under certain circumstances.
What were some of Viscera’s other ring names?
As mentioned earlier, Viscera wrestled under a variety of names throughout his career. This can be confusing for fans. His most recognizable names are Mabel/King Mabel and Viscera, but he also wrestled as Big Daddy V and Big Daddy Voodoo.
Did Viscera wrestle outside of WWE?
Yes. After leaving WWE, Viscera wrestled for All Japan Pro Wrestling under the name Big Daddy V where he continued to entertain audiences.
What was Viscera’s finishing move?
Viscera’s devastating finishing move was called the “Big Splash,” where he would jump off the top turnbuckle and crush his opponent with his immense weight.
Where can I see Viscera’s matches?
WWE Network (subscription required) offers a vast library of wrestling content, including many of Viscera’s matches. Additionally, some of his matches can be found on YouTube, but legality and video quality can vary.
What was Viscera’s impact on professional wrestling?
Viscera’s size and charisma made him a force to be reckoned with in the ring. He was a successful tag team wrestler and a dependable competitor in singles matches. While not everyone reaches the main event, Viscera carved out a memorable career in the world of professional wrestling.
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