The Unstoppable Bison

Mark Smith, better known to the wrestling world as Bison Smith, was an American professional wrestler who left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on September 24, 1973, in Denver, Colorado, Smith stood at a towering 6 feet 3 inches and weighed in at 280 pounds, making him a formidable force in the ring.

Smith's wrestling style was a unique blend of power, agility, and finesse, earning him the nickname "Big Buffalo." His repertoire included a range of signature moves, including the Bisontenial, Iron Claw Slam, Bison Bomb, Lariat, and Diving Shoulder Block. These devastating attacks left opponents reeling, allowing Smith to assert his dominance in the ring.

Throughout his career, Smith worked for various promotions, including Ring Of Honor, Pro Wrestling NOAH, National Wrestling Alliance, One Pro Wrestling, and All Pro Wrestling. He captured several titles, including the IWA Puerto Rico Tag Team Championship, GHC Tag Team Championship, IWA Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship, IWA Puerto Rico Intercontinental Championship, and APW Tag Team Championship.

Despite his impressive credentials, Smith's greatest attribute was his unyielding passion for wrestling. He was a true showman, always giving 110% in every match. His opponents would often remark on the sheer intensity he brought to the ring, making each contest feel like a battle for supremacy.

Sadly, Bison Smith's life was cut short when he passed away on November 22, 2011, at the age of 38. The cause of his death was a heart attack. Though his time in the spotlight was tragically curtailed, Smith's legacy lives on through the countless fans who were inspired by his performances.

As we reflect on the life and career of Bison Smith, it is clear that he left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. His larger-than-life personality, impressive physical stature, and unmatched in-ring ability made him a fan favorite wherever he went. Though he may be gone, his memory will continue to inspire generations of wrestlers to come.
Name: Bison Smith
Real Name: Mark Smith
Ring Names: Bison, Buffalo Bison, Mark Smith, Super Destroyer 2000
Date of Birth: 24 September 1973
Age: 50 Years
Died On: 22 November 2011
Born In: Denver, Colorado, United States

Facts

Here are 10 interesting facts and tidbits about Bison Smith:

• Bison Smith's early days in professional wrestling were spent honing his craft on the independent circuit, competing for promotions like USWA and NWA Texas.

• His first notable stint was with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he performed as "Mark Smith" from 1993-1995 and briefly held the WCW Light Heavyweight Championship.

• Bison's most famous gimmick is that of a Native American warrior, which debuted in 1997 for Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). This character earned him the nickname "Buffalo Bison".

• In ECW, Bison formed an unlikely tag team with the infamous Francine, known as "The Unstable Duo". Their antics often featured comedic segments and humorous promos.

• Before his ECW stint, Bison competed in Japan for the Union of Independent Professionals (UIP) under the ring name "Super Destroyer 2000", showcasing his high-flying abilities.

• Bison held multiple championships across various promotions, including the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship, the XPW Television Championship, and the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship.

• His time in ECW saw him feud with notable opponents like Jerry Lynn, Balls Mahoney, and The Sandman. He was known for his intense matches and brutal moveset.

• Bison's independent career spanned decades, with appearances for promotions like IWA Mid-South, OVW, and Chikara, among others.

• Despite being part of a larger wrestling family (his father, Tommy Smith, was also a wrestler), Bison carved out his own unique identity within the industry.

• In 2005, Bison began competing for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), where he participated in notable matches against wrestlers like El Generico (Saul White) and Roderick Strong.

Entrance Themes

Signature Moves

Other Moves

  • Bisontenial