Ex-WWE star saved a life as a cop, trained for a SWAT team, competed on Gladiators and now works in insurance

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A HOST of WWE superstars past and present have fascinating life stories to tell – but perhaps none are as incredible as Rico Costantino’s.

The now 61-year-old only competed for Vince McMahon in the world’s largest wrestling company for two years.

Former WWE star Rico (centre) alongside Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo

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Former WWE star Rico (centre) alongside Billy Gunn and Chuck PalumboCredit: WWE
He was one of WWE's most outlandish characters in the early 2000s

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He was one of WWE’s most outlandish characters in the early 2000sCredit: WWE

But his adventures and career away from the ring are just as bold as the outfits he wore in WWE.

The Las Vegas born star originally trained as a police officer after spending time in the Northwestern Military Academy and was even part of the SWAT team at one point.

He has also spent time as a paramedic, which came in very handy for one fortunate soul while he was working for Las Vegas’ finest.

Rico was actually on a day off when he witnessed a motorcycle accident, but instead of standing by, he sprung into action to become a lifesaver.

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He used his skills to provide life-saving tactics on the injured man, named Jamie Healey, until the official paramedics arrived. 

And even before he began his venture into the wacky world of wrestling, Rico had already shown that he had what it takes to go toe-to-toe with muscly meatheads.

He was a contestant on hit TV show American Gladiators and defeated then drew twice with Gemini in three joust bouts.

Rico was even the champion for the first half of the 1990/91 season of the show but he came up just short in the Grand Championship as he lost by seven points to eventual winner Craig Branham in the Eliminator.

And he would later go on to compete in the European game show, Fort Boyard, where he finished the game’s bungee challenge.

After his heroics as a cop and foray into Gladiators, the former martial artist began training to be a wrestler under the tutelage of Jesse Hernandez.

That led to him being signed up to a developmental deal alongside the likes of John Cena in Ohio Valley Wrestling, which was used to groom future stars by WWE.

His talents were soon spotted by the higher-ups and he made his debut on SmackDown playing the role of the exclusive stylist to tag team duo Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo in 2002.

He would later turn on the duo and switch allegiance to lead rival tag team Three Minute Warning and later joined forces with Charlie Haas and Miss Jackie Gayda. 

Despite never holding a championship or reaching the top of the mountain in WWE, his mutton chops and outrageous outfits while playing the stylist character certainly made him live long in the memory of wrestling fans.

After leaving WWE in 2004 and a few sporadic appearances on the wrestling independent scene, Rico completed his law enforcement training and then served as a Sergeant Inspector for the Nevada Taxi Cab Authority.

And he still enjoyed a number of impressive side jobs, working as both a bodyguard and a stunt man for Batman.

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But in 2016 he began to suffer health issues with his heart and a series of concussions, although he has bravely overcome them.

And the days he does take things a little easier now that he is in his sixties and is an accident investigator for an insurance company. 

Rico was a contestant on American Gladiators in the early 90s

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Rico was a contestant on American Gladiators in the early 90sCredit: YouTube





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