Big Boss Man

2025-10-09T16:35:11Z

2600:6C5A:467F:B343:600B:C067:C475:C44A: /* Death and legacy */

{{short description|American professional wrestler (1963–2004)}}
{{about|the professional wrestler|other uses}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name = Big Boss Man
| image = Big Boss Man cropped.png
| caption = Traylor in 2002
| names = (The) Big Boss Man<ref name="WWEbio">{{Cite web |title=Big Boss Man |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/big-boss-man |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929122239/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/big-boss-man |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |access-date=April 5, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Boss Man<ref name="cage"/> Big Bossman<ref name="WWEbio"/> The Man Big Bubba<ref name="cage"/> Big Bubba Rogers<ref name="WWEbio"/> The Boss<ref name="slam"/> The Guardian Angel<ref name="WWEbio"/> Ray Traylor<ref name="WWEbio"/> War Machine<ref name="slam"/>
| height = 6 ft 7 in<ref name="WWEbio"/>
| weight = 330 lb<ref name="WWEbio"/>
| birth_date = {{birth date|1963|5|2|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Marietta, Georgia]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2004|9|22|1963|5|2}}
| death_place = [[Dallas, Georgia]], U.S.
| spouse = {{marriage|Angela Traylor|1989|}}
| children = 2
| birth_name = Ray Washington Traylor Jr.
| billed = [[Cobb County, Georgia]]<ref name="WWEbio"/>
| trainer = [[Ted Allen (wrestler)|Ted Allen]]<ref name="cage">{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=Big Boss Man profile |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=690 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119193817/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=690 |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=Cagematch.net}}</ref>
| debut = 1984<ref name="WWEobit">{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2004 |title=Ray Traylor passes away |url=http://www.wwe.com/news/headlines/1277702 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040929080248/http://www.wwe.com/news/headlines/1277702 |archive-date=September 29, 2004 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
| retired =
}}
'''Ray Washington Traylor Jr.''' (May 2, 1963 – September 22, 2004) was an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] best known for his appearances with the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) under the [[ring name]] '''(The) Big Boss Man''', as well as for his appearances with [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) as '''the Boss''', '''the Man''', '''the Guardian Angel''', and '''Big Bubba Rogers'''. During his appearances with the WWF, Big Boss Man held the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF World Tag Team Championship]] [[list of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|once]] and the [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] [[list of WWE Hardcore Champions|four times]]. Traylor was posthumously inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] in 2016.

==Professional wrestling career==
===Jim Crockett Promotions (1984–1987)===
Before he was a professional wrestler, Traylor worked as a [[Prison officer|corrections officer]] in [[Cobb County, Georgia]].<ref name="WWEbio"/><ref name="slam"/><ref name="times">{{Cite news |last=Spears |first=Jim |date=September 29, 2004 |title='Bossman' will be sorely missed |work=[[The Times and Democrat]] |location=[[Orangeburg, South Carolina]] |page=9}}</ref> He debuted in 1984<ref name="WWEobit"/> then began working as a [[job (professional wrestling)|jobber]] for [[Jim Crockett Promotions]].<ref name="cornette">{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=March 18, 2016 |title=Jim Cornette discusses WWE Hall of Fame induction of Ray 'Big Bossman' Traylor |url=https://pwinsider.com/article/100620/jim-cornette-discusses-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-of-ray-big-bossman-traylor.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322061222/https://pwinsider.com/article/100620/jim-cornette-discusses-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-of-ray-big-bossman-traylor.html?p=1 |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> Head booker [[Dusty Rhodes]] took notice of Traylor's potential and took him off television for three months before repackaging him as '''Big Bubba Rogers'''.<ref name="cornette"/> He received a [[Push (professional wrestling)|push]] as the silent [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[bodyguard]] for [[Jim Cornette]], who, along with [[The Midnight Express (professional wrestling)|The Midnight Express]], was [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuding]] with the James Boys (Rhodes and [[Magnum T. A.]], under masks).<ref name="times"/> Rogers feuded with Rhodes (the top [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] at the time) in a series of [[Bunkhouse Stampede]] matches in 1986. He and Rhodes were tied for wins in this series, leading to a tiebreaking cage match, which Rhodes won on February 27.

===Universal Wrestling Federation (1987)===
In 1987, Traylor joined the [[Universal Wrestling Federation (Bill Watts)|Universal Wrestling Federation]] (UWF) after it was purchased by [[Jim Crockett Jr.|Jim Crockett]].<ref name="podcast"/> On April 19, Traylor won the [[UWF World Heavyweight Championship (Bill Watts)|UWF Heavyweight Championship]] from [[One Man Gang]], who was leaving the UWF for the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]].<ref name="Solie"/> Following his title win, he aligned himself with [[Skandor Akbar|General Skandor Akbar]] and his Devastation Inc. stable. Traylor lost the title to [[Steve Williams (wrestler)|"Dr. Death" Steve Williams]] on July 11 during the [[Great American Bash (1987)|Great American Bash]] tour.<ref name="bash">{{Cite web |title=Great American Bash results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/wcwera/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930083809/https://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/wcwera/results |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> In the second [[WarGames match]] on July 30, Traylor, as War Machine, teamed with [[The Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|The Four Horsemen]] ([[Ric Flair]], [[Arn Anderson]], [[Lex Luger]] and [[Tully Blanchard]]) in a loss to The [[Road Warriors]] ([[Road Warrior Hawk|Hawk]] and [[Road Warrior Animal|Animal]]), [[Nikita Koloff]], Dusty Rhodes and [[Paul Ellering]], when Animal forced the War Machine to submit by gouging his eyes with a spiked armband.<ref>{{cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=September 18, 2012 |title=The complete history of WarGames |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/complete-history-wargames-26053121/page-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921233600/http://www.wwe.com/classics/complete-history-wargames-26053121/page-2 |archive-date=September 21, 2012 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]] |page=2}}</ref>

===All Japan Pro Wrestling (1988)===
Traylor made his first tour to Japan in March 1988 for [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] as Big Bubba.

===World Wrestling Federation (1988–1993)===
====Twin Towers (1988–1990)====
{{main|Twin Towers (professional wrestling)}}
In May 1988, Traylor joined the WWF as '''Big Boss Man''', a heel character inspired by his previous career as a corrections officer. Managed by [[Slick (wrestling)|Slick]], Boss Man's post-match routine often included handcuffing his defeated opponents to the ring ropes and beating them with a nightstick or ball and chain.<ref name="WWEbio"/><ref name="WWF1988">{{Cite web |title=WWF Results 1988 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1988/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323043657/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1988/ |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> On August 29, he defeated [[Koko B. Ware]] at the inaugural [[SummerSlam (1988)|SummerSlam]].<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=SummerSlam 1988 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/1988/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629120651/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/1988/results |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

[[File:Hulk Hogan vs Big Boss Man (92769012).jpg|thumb|left|Big Boss Man facing [[Hulk Hogan]] in March 1989]]
Big Boss Man began his first major WWF angle by attacking [[Hulk Hogan]] in an October edition of [[Bruce Prichard#The Brother Love Show (1988–1991)|"The Brother Love Show"]].<ref name="WWF1988"/> He also formed a [[tag team]] with Akeem (formerly billed as One Man Gang) known as [[Twin Towers (professional wrestling)|The Twin Towers]]. At [[Survivor Series (1988)|Survivor Series]] on November 24, they teamed with [[Ted DiBiase]], [[Haku (wrestler)|King Haku]] and [[The Red Rooster]] in a 5-on-5 [[Survivor Series match]], but lost to [[The Mega Powers]] ([[Hulk Hogan]] and [[WWF Champion]] [[Randy Savage]]), [[Hercules (wrestler)|Hercules]], B. Ware and [[Hillbilly Jim]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Survivor Series 1988 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1988/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629055518/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1988/results |archive-date=June 29, 2007 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> The Twin Towers were a key part in the top storyline of Savage turning on Hogan, leading to the [[WrestleMania V]] main event; in the later part of a tag match between the four on February 3, 1989, at ''[[The Main Event II]]'', Hogan abandoned Savage to attend to the hurt [[Miss Elizabeth]] and went backstage. After being double-teamed for a while, Savage eventually rallied until Hogan returned to the match. After Savage tagged Hogan in, he slapped Hogan and left him to defeat The Twin Towers on his own, which led to The Mega Powers' demise as Savage beat Hulk in the backstage medical room where fellow wrestlers, managers and staff had to break them up.<ref name="WWEMW2">{{cite web |title=The Main Event II results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/feb031989 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321104108/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/feb031989 |archive-date=March 21, 2014 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref name="WWF1989">{{Cite web |title=WWF Results 1989 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1989/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512113905/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1989/ |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref>

At WrestleMania V on April 2, The Twin Towers defeated [[The Rockers]] ([[Shawn Michaels]] and [[Marty Jannetty]]).<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=WrestleMania V results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/5/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629205807/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/5/results |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Meanwhile, Boss Man continued his feud with Hogan in a series of [[steel cage match]]es; in their most notable encounter on May 27 at ''[[Saturday Night's Main Event XXI]]'', he failed to win the WWF Championship from Hogan.<ref name="WWF1989" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Saturday Night's Main Event XXI results |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/890527.html |access-date=January 19, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013162101/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com:80/results/snme/890527.html |archive-date=October 13, 2007}}</ref> During the match, Hogan [[superplex]]ed Boss Man off the top of the cage.<ref name="kapur">{{Cite web |last=Kapur |first=Bob |date=September 24, 2004 |title=One loyal fan's memories of Bossman |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/24/642111.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229061500/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/24/642111.html |archive-date=February 29, 2016 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The Twin Towers were then involved in a feud with [[Demolition (professional wrestling)|Demolition]] ([[Ax (wrestler)|Ax]] and [[Smash (wrestler)|Smash]]) over the [[WWF Tag Team Champion]]ship.<ref name="WWF1989"/> At [[SummerSlam (1989)|SummerSlam]] on August 28, they teamed with [[André the Giant]] and lost to Demolition and [[Jim Duggan|King Duggan]] in a [[six-man tag team match]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=SummerSlam 1989 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/1989/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330104849/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/1989/results |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Boss Man subsequently feuded with Dusty Rhodes and led a team on November 23 at [[Survivor Series (1989)|Survivor Series]] including [[Bad News Brown]], [[Rick Martel]] and [[The Honky Tonk Man]], but they lost to Rhodes, [[Brutus Beefcake]], Red Rooster and [[Tito Santana]].<ref name="WWF1989"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Survivor Series 1989 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1989/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060523010316/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1989/results |archive-date=May 23, 2006 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

====Face turn and various feuds (1990–1993)====
[[File:Big Bossman and Slick.jpg|thumb|right|Boss Man (pictured in March 1989) became a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]] after refusing to do the bidding of his villainous manager [[Slick (wrestling)|Slick]] (left)|286x286px]]
The Big Boss Man turned face on the February 24, 1990 episode of ''[[WWF Superstars|Superstars]]'', when DiBiase had paid Slick to have Boss Man retrieve the [[Million Dollar Championship]] belt from [[Jake Roberts]], who had stolen it. Boss Man retrieved a bag containing both the belt and Roberts' pet python, Damien. On ''[[Brother Love (wrestler)|The Brother Love Show]]'', he refused to accept DiBiase's money for the bag, and returned it to Roberts.<ref name="WWF1990">{{Cite web |title=WWF Results 1990 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1990/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729215350/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1990/ |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> Boss Man then defeated his former partner Akeem in [[Squash (professional wrestling)|less than two minutes]] on April 1 at [[WrestleMania VI]].<ref>{{cite web |title=WrestleMania VI results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/6/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629205909/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/6/results |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (1990)|Survivor Series]] on November 22, he teamed with Hogan, Duggan and [[Fred Ottman|Tugboat]] to defeat [[John Tenta|Earthquake]], [[Haku (wrestler)|Haku]], [[Dino Bravo]] and [[The Barbarian (wrestler)|The Barbarian]].<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=Survivor Series 1990 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1990/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051130064827/http://www.wwe.com:80/shows/survivorseries/history/1990/results/ |archive-date=November 30, 2005 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> The entrance theme song "Hard Times" was performed by [[Survivor (band)|Survivor]] lead singer [[Jimi Jamison]], written by [[Jimmy Hart]], JJ Maguire, Mike Stock and Pete Waterman.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE, Jimmy Hart, JJ Maguire - Hard Times (Big Boss Man) lyrics {{!}} Musixmatch |url=https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/WWE-feat-Jimmy-Hart-JJ-Maguire/Hard-Times-Big-Boss-Man |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=www.musixmatch.com |language=en}}</ref>

In the fall, Boss Man began feuding with [[Bobby Heenan]] and the [[Heenan Family]] after Heenan continually insulted Boss Man's mother.<ref name="WWF1990"/> He defeated Heenan Family members The Barbarian on January 19, 1991, at [[Royal Rumble (1991)|Royal Rumble]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Royal Rumble 1991 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1991/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204031013/http://www.wwe.com:80/shows/royalrumble/history/1991/results |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> and [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]] on March 24 at [[WrestleMania VII]] in an [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] match via disqualification.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 17, 2005 |title=WrestleMania VII results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/7/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629120718/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/7/results |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Following this, he feuded with [[Jacques Rougeau|The Mountie]] to see who the real officer of the WWF was, culminating in a Jailhouse match at [[SummerSlam (1991)|SummerSlam]] on August 26.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWF Results 1991 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1991/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321021819/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1991/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> Boss Man won the match, thus the Mountie had to spend a night in jail; this was the only such match ever held by the company.<ref>{{cite web |title=SummerSlam 1991 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/1991/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330150945/http://www.wwe.com:80/shows/summerslam/1991/results |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

In 1992, Boss Man began feuding with [[Nailz]], an ex-convict character who, in a series of promos aired before his debut, claimed Boss Man had been his abusive officer in prison, and warned he was seeking revenge. On the May 30 episode of ''[[WWF Superstars]]'', Nailz – clad in an orange prison jumpsuit – ran into the ring and attacked Boss Man, handcuffing him to the top rope and repeatedly choking and beating him with the nightstick. Boss Man took time off to sell his ([[kayfabe]]) injuries, eventually returning and having a series of matches with Nailz in the latter half of 1992.<ref name="WWEbio"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=WWF Results 1992 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1992/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323051953/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1992/ |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> The feud culminated at [[Survivor Series (1992)|Survivor Series]] on November 25, where Boss Man defeated Nailz in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Object on a Pole match|Nightstick on a Pole match]].<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=Survivor Series 1992 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1992/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206064647/http://www.wwe.com:80/shows/survivorseries/history/1992/results/ |archive-date=December 6, 2006 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

Boss Man's last major feud was against [[Bam Bam Bigelow]], leading to a match at the [[Royal Rumble (1993)|Royal Rumble]] on January 24, 1993, which Boss Man lost.<ref name="WWF1993">{{cite web |date= |title=WWF Results 1993 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1993/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413165721/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1993/ |archive-date=April 13, 2025 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date= |title=Royal Rumble 1993 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881161/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060114125957/http://www.wwe.com:80/shows/royalrumble/history/19881161/results/ |archive-date=January 14, 2006 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He left the WWF shortly after a [[house show]] in [[Gatineau|Gatineau, Quebec]] on March 14 and later made appearances in [[United States Wrestling Association|USWA]], [[Smoky Mountain Wrestling|SMW]] and [[Japan]].<ref name="tsn" /><ref name="WWF1993" /> In December, he briefly returned to the WWF to serve as the [[special guest referee]] for three house show main events between [[Bret Hart]] and [[Jeff Jarrett]].<ref name="WWF1993" />

===World Championship Wrestling (1993–1998)===
Traylor made his debut for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as '''The Boss''' on the December 18, 1993 episode of ''[[WCW Saturday Night]]'', pinning [[WCW International World Heavyweight Championship|International World Champion]] [[Rick Rude]] in a non-title match.<ref name="WCW1993">{{Cite web |title=WCW Results 1993 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1993/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323053216/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1993/ |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> He challenged for Rude's title at [[Starrcade '93: 10th Anniversary]] on December 27, but was unsuccessful.<ref name="WCW1993"/>

In 1994, Traylor began a lengthy feud with [[Big Van Vader]], losing to him on April 17 at [[Spring Stampede (1994)|Spring Stampede]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=WCW Results 1994 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1994/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004000232/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1994/ |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2010 |title=Sharpshooter Review: Spring Stampede 1994 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/sharpshooter-review-spring-stampede-1994/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623032828/https://411mania.com/wrestling/sharpshooter-review-spring-stampede-1994/ |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref> In light of legal complaints from the WWF regarding the similarity of "The Boss" to "Big Boss Man", Traylor was renamed '''The Guardian Angel''' and sported similar attire to those in the [[Guardian Angels|organization he was named after]].<ref name="kapur"/> He subsequently lost to Vader at [[Bash at the Beach (1994)|Bash at the Beach]] on July 17,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Furious |first=Arnold |date=September 14, 2006 |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Bash at the Beach '94 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-bash-at-the-beach-94/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232330/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-bash-at-the-beach-94/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref> [[Fall Brawl '94: War Games|Fall Brawl]] on September 18,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Furious |first=Arnold |date=October 2, 2006 |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Fall Brawl '94 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-fall-brawl-94/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521033530/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-fall-brawl-94/ |archive-date=May 21, 2025 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref> and [[Halloween Havoc (1994)|Halloween Havoc]] on October 23 to end their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pantoja |first=Kevin |date=January 17, 2015 |title=Random Network Reviews: WCW Halloween Havoc '94 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-wcw-halloween-havoc-94/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250521033652/https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-wcw-halloween-havoc-94/ |archive-date=May 21, 2025 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref> In early 1995, he turned heel and again became known as Big Bubba Rogers,<ref name="WCW1995">{{Cite web |title=WCW Results 1995 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1995/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323042950/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1995/ |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> defeating [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] at [[Uncensored (1995)|Uncensored]] on March 19 but lost in a rematch at [[Slamboree (1995)|Slamboree]] on May 21.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bramma |first=Jack |date=February 28, 2012 |title=Ring Crew Reviews: WCW Uncensored 1995 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/ring-crew-reviews-wcw-uncensored-1995/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103191355/https://411mania.com/wrestling/ring-crew-reviews-wcw-uncensored-1995/ |archive-date=January 3, 2015 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keith |first=Scott |date=April 1, 2002 |title=The SmarK Retro Rant For WCW Slamboree 95 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-smark-retro-rant-for-wcw-slamboree-95/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107012933/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-smark-retro-rant-for-wcw-slamboree-95/ |archive-date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref> On September 4, Rogers challenged Hulk Hogan for the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] on the debut episode of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro]]'', but failed to win the title.<ref name="WCW1995"/>

In 1996, Rogers joined the [[Dungeon of Doom]] and feuded with former Dungeon of Doom member [[John Tenta]],<ref name="WCW1996">{{Cite web |title=WCW Results 1996 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1996/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323035351/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1996/ |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> whom he lost to at [[The Great American Bash (1996)|The Great American Bash]] on June 16 and [[Bash at the Beach (1996)|Bash at the Beach]] on July 7.<ref name="bash"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keith |first=Scott |date=August 10, 2002 |title=The SmarK Retro Repost – Bash At The Beach 96 |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/the-smark-retro-repost-bash-at-the-beach-96/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118160202/http://411mania.com/wrestling/the-smark-retro-repost-bash-at-the-beach-96/ |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref> By the end of the year, he had turned on the Dungeon of Doom and joined the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|nWo]].<ref name="WCW1996" /> His stay in the nWo was brief, with Traylor knocked out by an unknown assailant at the start of the February 17, 1997 edition of ''Nitro''. He later explained that [[Eric Bischoff]] fired him from the nWo while he was temporarily paralyzed.<ref name="WCW1997">{{Cite web |title=WCW Results 1997 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1997/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221031244/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1997/ |archive-date=February 21, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> Upon his return in September, Traylor resumed wrestling under his real name and began feuding with the nWo, forming an alliance with [[Steiner Brothers|The Steiner Brothers]], who also sought [[Ted DiBiase]] as their manager.<ref name="WCW1997"/> The union abruptly ended when [[Scott Steiner]] turned on them to join the nWo in February 1998.<ref name="WCW1998">{{Cite web |title=WCW Results 1998 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1998/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418065854/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1998/ |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> After Traylor lost to [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] on the March 30 episode of ''Nitro'', he left WCW the following month.<ref name="WCW1998"/>

===Return to WWF/E (1998–2003)===
====Hardcore and Tag Team Champion (1998–1999)====
{{See also|The Corporation (professional wrestling)}}
[[File:1999 Big Bossman WWF Smackdown (WWE).jpg|thumb|Big Boss Man on ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' in October 1999]]
Traylor rejoined the WWF shortly after, again as Big Boss Man. On October 12, 1998, he returned to television with a new look, abandoning his blue police shirt for an all-black [[SWAT]]-style uniform, including a tactical vest and gloves.<ref name="WWF1998">{{Cite web |title=WWF Results 1998 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1998/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323042354/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1998/ |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> He served as [[Vince McMahon]]'s bodyguard during his feuds with [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] and [[D-Generation X]] (DX) and was one of the first members of his heel [[Stable (professional wrestling)|stable]], [[The Corporation (professional wrestling)|The Corporation]], briefly wearing a mask before his identity was revealed.<ref name="WWEbio" /><ref name="tsn" />[[File:The Undertaker's Graveyard Big Boss Man.jpg|thumb|A tombstone commemorating Big Boss Man's loss at [[WrestleMania XV]]]]

On the November 30 episode of ''Raw is War'', Big Boss Man defeated [[Mick Foley|Mankind]] to win the [[WWF Hardcore Championship]].<ref name="hardcore"/> Boss Man and Shamrock were initially defeated by [[WWF Tag Team Champions]] the [[New Age Outlaws]] at [[Rock Bottom: In Your House]] on December 13,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pantoja |first=Kevin |date=October 16, 2016 |title=Random Network Reviews: Rock Bottom |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-rock-bottom/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020111638/https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-rock-bottom/ |archive-date=October 20, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref> however, on the following day's ''Raw is War'' broadcast, they won the WWF Tag Team Championship in a rematch, making Boss Man a double champion.<ref name="WWF1998" /> He lost the Hardcore Championship to New Age Outlaws member [[Road Dogg]] nearly two weeks later,<ref name="hardcore"/> but defeated him in a non-title rematch at [[Royal Rumble (1999)|Royal Rumble]] on January 24, 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Royal Rumble 1999 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881143/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060112160248/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881143/results |archive-date=January 12, 2006 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Boss Man and Shamrock lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to [[Owen Hart]] and [[Jeff Jarrett]] the next night on ''Raw is War''.<ref name="WWF1999">{{Cite web |title=WWF Results 1999 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1999/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327145818/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-1999/ |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XV]] on March 28, Big Boss Man lost to [[The Undertaker]] in a [[Hell in a Cell]] match. After the match, The Undertaker hanged him from the roof of the cage (an illusion made possible by a full-body [[safety harness]] concealed under Big Boss Man's outfit).<ref>{{Cite web |title=WrestleMania XV results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/15/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104063022/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/15/results |archive-date=January 4, 2012 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> While a video package of the ''WrestleMania Rage Party'' was then shown, Big Boss Man had to be safely taken down onto a stretcher so that he could get to a hospital with only minor injuries.<ref>{{cite web |last=Oliver |first=Greg |author-link=Greg Oliver |date=April 1, 1999 |title=Austin WWF champ again |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWM15/mar28_wm.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716020737/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWM15/mar28_wm.html |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> At [[Over the Edge (1999)|Over the Edge]] on May 23, Boss Man was a part of [[The Corporate Ministry]], losing to The Union in an eight-man [[elimination tag team match]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=John |date=May 24, 1999 |title=Hart tragedy overshadows Taker win |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/OwenHart/may24_overtheedge.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530091422/http://slam.canoe.ca/OwenHart/may24_overtheedge.html |archive-date=May 30, 2012 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>[[File:Big Boss Man.jpg|thumb|Traylor at an autograph session in May 1999|left|208x208px]]Big Boss Man subsequently entered a major feud with [[Al Snow]], which eventually involved Snow's pet chihuahua, Pepper. He won the WWF Hardcore Championship from Snow on July 25 at [[Fully Loaded (1999)|Fully Loaded]].<ref name="WWF1999"/> At [[SummerSlam (1999)|SummerSlam]] on August 22, the two had a Falls Count Anywhere match that spilled into the backstage area, the street and, finally, into a nearby bar. Prior to the match, Snow had set Pepper's [[pet carrier]] near the entrance way; minutes into the match, Boss Man picked it up, taunted Pepper, struck Snow with the carrier, and carelessly tossed it behind him. Commentator [[Jim Ross]] immediately apologized to viewers for the act and stated that Pepper had been removed from the box before the match. Snow won the match and regained the WWF Hardcore Championship.<ref name="WWF1999"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=SummerSlam 1999 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/1999/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330143630/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/1999/results |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Boss Man regained the championship on the subsequent episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]''.<ref name="hardcore"/> Two weeks later, Big Boss Man kidnapped and ransomed Pepper, arranging a meeting in which he fed Snow a meat dish supposedly made from Pepper's remains.<ref name="WWEbio"/> On the same night, Big Boss Man lost the Hardcore Championship to the returning [[Davey Boy Smith|British Bulldog]], who then gifted the title to Snow.<ref name="hardcore"/> Boss Man and Snow settled their feud in a [[Hell in a Cell#Kennel from Hell match/Other appearances and variations|Kennel from Hell match]] for the title at [[Unforgiven (1999)|Unforgiven]] on September 26, in which a blue solid steel cage surrounded the ring itself and the ringside was surrounded by a chain-link fenced "cell". The objective of the match was to escape from the cage and the cell while avoiding "attack dogs" (which turned out to be disappointingly docile) positioned outside the ring.<ref name="podcast"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2009 |title=Al Snow comments on his status with TNA, recalls the infamous WWE Dog Kennel match, says one wrestler enjoyed making Pepper pee on him, discusses WWE Tough Enough |url=https://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/InterviewHighlights/article1004234.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126134701/https://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/InterviewHighlights/article1004234.shtml |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=ProWrestling.net}}</ref> Boss Man ultimately lost the match,<ref name="Unforgiven1999">{{cite web |title=Unforgiven 1999 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/1999/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629201556/http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/1999/results |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> but won back the title in a triple threat match involving Snow and [[Big Show]] nearly two weeks later.<ref name="hardcore"/>

While WWF Hardcore Champion, Big Boss Man feuded with Big Show over the WWF Championship; during the feud, Big Boss Man showed up at Big Show's father's funeral, made some disrespectful remarks, then chained the casket to the back of his car and drove off. Big Show attempted to save the coffin by jumping on it, riding it for a few yards before losing his grip and tumbling off.<ref name="WWEbio"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adkins |first=Greg |date=December 2, 2009 |title=Tomb raider |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/highwayrobberies/highwayrobberies5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205175627/https://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/highwayrobberies/highwayrobberies5 |archive-date=December 5, 2009 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the November 15, 1999 episode of ''Raw is War'', Big Boss Man defeated [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] to become the number one contender to the WWF Championship.<ref name="WWF1999"/> He failed to win the title from Big Show at [[Armageddon (1999)|Armageddon]] on December 12 and in a handicap match with [[Matt Bloom|Prince Albert]] on the following episode of ''Raw is War'', ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web |title=Armageddon 1999 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/1999/results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629201837/http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/1999/results |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref name="WWF1999"/>

====Various tag teams and departure (1999–2003)====
The alliance between Boss Man and Albert ended after they lost to the [[Hardy Boyz]] on the January 13, 2000 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref name="WWF2000">{{Cite web |title=WWF Results 2000 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-2000/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250521094032/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwf-results-2000/ |archive-date=May 21, 2025 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> The following week, Boss Man lost the WWF Hardcore Championship to Test.<ref name="hardcore"/> He entered the [[Royal Rumble match]] at the [[Royal Rumble (2000)|titular event]] on January 23, where he eliminated [[Rikishi (wrestler)|Rikishi]], [[Chyna]] and [[Ron Simmons|Faarooq]] before being eliminated by The Rock.<ref>{{cite web |title=Royal Rumble 2000 entrances and eliminations |publisher=Pro Wrestling History |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/rumble2.html#00 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020704062757/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com:80/supercards/usa/wwf/rumble2.html |archive-date=July 4, 2002}}</ref> At [[No Way Out (2000)|No Way Out]] on February 27, Boss Man lost to [[Taz (wrestler)|Taz]] via disqualification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=No Way Out 2000 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2000/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622081522/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2000/results |archive-date=June 22, 2011 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the March 19 episode of ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night Heat]]'', he introduced [[Bull Buchanan]] as his protégé.<ref name="WWF2000"/> They teamed to defeat [[The Godfather (wrestler)|The Godfather]] and [[D'Lo Brown]] at [[WrestleMania 2000]] on April 2 and the [[Acolytes Protection Agency]] on April 30 at [[Backlash (2000)|Backlash]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=WrestleMania 2000 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/16/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622110035/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/16/results |archive-date=June 22, 2011 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Backlash 2000 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2000/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408225746/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2000/results |archive-date=April 8, 2015 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the June 5 episode of ''Raw is War'', after losing to the Hardy Boyz and subsequently arguing, Boss Man knocked Buchanan out with his nightstick when his back was turned and the team split up.<ref name="WWF2000"/>[[File:US Navy 020509-N-0119N-001 WWF wrestlers visit aboard USS Abraham Lincoln.jpg|thumb|right|Traylor at a charity event in May 2002]]

In the summer of 2000, Boss Man disappeared from the WWF's primary television shows, wrestling mainly on ''[[WWF Jakked/Metal|Jakked]]'' and ''Heat'', where he had a minor feud with [[Crash Holly]] until suffering a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#L|legit]] injury in April 2001, keeping him out of [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|The Invasion]] storyline, which featured [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|invading WCW and ECW wrestlers]], for much of the year.<ref name="WWF2000" /><ref name="podcast">{{cite web |last=Soucek |first=Andrew |date=May 19, 2018 |title=RECAP AND REVIEW: Something to Wrestle on The Big Boss Man - his series of matches with Hulk Hogan, where the Pepper/Al Snow idea came from, the major spot he missed with Steve Austin, canceled taser angle, feud with Nailz (Ep. 99) |url=https://www.pwpodcasts.com/2018/05/19/recap-and-review-something-to-wrestle-on-the-big-boss-man-his-series-of-matches-with-hulk-hogan-where-the-pepper-al-snow-idea-came-from-the-major-spot-he-missed-with-steve-austin-canceled-taser/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116205828/https://www.pwpodcasts.com/2018/05/19/recap-and-review-something-to-wrestle-on-the-big-boss-man-his-series-of-matches-with-hulk-hogan-where-the-pepper-al-snow-idea-came-from-the-major-spot-he-missed-with-steve-austin-canceled-taser/ |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |access-date=May 25, 2021 |website=PWPodcasts.com}}</ref> He returned on the December 20, 2001 episode of ''SmackDown!'', forming a team with [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]] after Vince McMahon ordered him to be his enforcer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – December 20, 2001 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/011220.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621015241/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/011220.html |archive-date=June 21, 2007 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The team quietly split in late January 2002, and Boss Man returned to ''Jakked/Metal'' and ''Heat''. In April, he formed a short-lived tag team with [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]] after both were [[WWE Draft|drafted]] to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]].<ref name="WWFWWE2002">{{Cite web |title=WWF / WWE Results 2002 |url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwe-results-2002/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402062018/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wwe-results-2002/ |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=The History of WWE}}</ref> On the May 26 episode of ''Heat'', he lost his final WWE match to [[Tommy Dreamer]].<ref name="WWFWWE2002" /> In the summer, Traylor was assigned to train developmental wrestlers in [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]].<ref name="tsn">{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2004 |title=Big Bossman passes away at age 42 |url=http://tsn.ca/wrestling/news_story.asp?ID=99650&hubName=wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041016134617/http://tsn.ca/wrestling/news_story.asp?ID=99650&hubName=wrestling |archive-date=October 16, 2004 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=[[The Sports Network|TSN.ca]] |publisher=[[Bell Media|Bell Globemedia]]}}</ref><ref name="mooneyham"/> He was released from WWE in 2003 after his contract expired.<ref name="mooneyham"/>

===International Wrestling Association of Japan (2004)===
After a year-long hiatus, Traylor returned in 2004 to wrestle for the [[International Wrestling Association of Japan]], attacking [[Steve Williams (wrestler)|Steve Williams]] at a show in [[Korakuen Hall]].<ref name="tsn"/> In his first match back on March 12, he teamed with Keizo Matsuda in a loss to [[Mike Rotunda]] and Williams.<ref name="Kreikenbohm2004">{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=Big Boss Man's matches in 2004 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=690&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2004&promotion=&region=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250521003747/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=690&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2004&promotion=&region=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= |archive-date=May 21, 2025 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=Cagematch.net}}</ref> On August 31, he competed in a tournament for the vacant [[IWA World Heavyweight Championship (IWA Japan)|IWA World Heavyweight Championship]] but lost to [[Jim Duggan]] in the finals.<ref name="Kreikenbohm2004"/>

==Personal life==
Traylor was married to his childhood sweetheart Angela, and they had two daughters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hart |first=Bret |author-link=Bret Hart |date=September 23, 2004 |title=Yet another taken too soon |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Hitman/2004/09/25/643505.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408133237/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Hitman/2004/09/25/643505.html |archive-date=April 8, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

Traylor suffered a motorcycle accident on his [[Harley-Davidson]] in May 2002 after he hit a deer and was badly injured.<ref name="podcast"/> He was badly affected by close friend [[Curt Hennig]]'s death in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richard |first=Dave |date=March 7, 2016 |title=Big Boss Man's greatest WWE rivalries: From Nailz to Hulk Hogan |url=https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/big-boss-mans-greatest-wwe-rivalries-from-nailz-to-hulk-hogan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709185153/https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/big-boss-mans-greatest-wwe-rivalries-from-nailz-to-hulk-hogan/ |archive-date=July 9, 2018 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=[[CBSSports.com]]}}</ref>

In July 2004, Traylor unsuccessfully ran for Commission chairman for [[Paulding County, Georgia]].<ref name="mooneyham"/> He was the owner of a [[Dallas, Georgia]], storage company called RWT Enterprises.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rwt Enterprises Inc |url=http://www.chamberofcommerce.com/dallas-ga/27649226-rwt-enterprises-inc/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20161121042027/https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/dallas-ga/27649226-rwt-enterprises-inc |archive-date=November 21, 2016 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=ChamberofCommerce.com}}</ref>

== Death and legacy ==
Traylor died of a [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]] at the age of 41 on September 22, 2004, at his home in Dallas, Georgia.<ref name="mooneyham">{{Cite web |last=Mooneyham |first=Mike |date=September 24, 2004 |title='Big Boss Man' Traylor Dies |url=https://mikemooneyham.com/2004/09/24/big-boss-man-traylor-dies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220020647/https://mikemooneyham.com/2004/09/24/big-boss-man-traylor-dies/ |archive-date=February 20, 2015 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |publisher=The Wrestling Gospel}}</ref> According to ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter|The Wrestling Observer]]'', Traylor's sister had been visiting, and while his two daughters went upstairs to play, his wife Angela briefly left the room at about 10:00{{spaces}}p.m., and returned to find him dead on the sofa.<ref name="slam">{{cite web |last=Oliver |first=Greg |author-link=Greg Oliver |date=September 23, 2004 |title=Ray 'Big Bossman' Traylor passes away |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/23/639653.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014320/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/23/639653.html |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2021 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Traylor was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016 by [[Slick (wrestling)|Slick]], with his widow and daughters accepting the award on his behalf.<ref>{{cite web |last=Silverstein |first=Adam |date=March 7, 2016 |title=Big Boss Man to be inducted with WWE Hall of Fame's 2016 class |url=http://www.cbssports.com/general/eye-on-sports/25507168/exclusive-big-boss-man-to-be-inducted-into-wwe-hall-of-fame |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324111325/http://www.cbssports.com/general/eye-on-sports/25507168/exclusive-big-boss-man-to-be-inducted-into-wwe-hall-of-fame |archive-date=March 24, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2021 |website=[[CBSSports.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 27, 2016 |title=Slick to induct Big Boss Man into the WWE Hall of Fame |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-fame/wwe-hall-fame-2016/article/slick-induct-big-boss-man-wwe-hall-fame-2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331071937/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-fame/wwe-hall-fame-2016/article/slick-induct-big-boss-man-wwe-hall-fame-2016 |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

==Other media==
[[File:BigBossmanGrave.jpg|thumb|Traylor's grave in Dallas, Georgia]]
Big Boss Man appears in video games including ''[[WWF Superstars]]'', ''[[WWF WrestleMania Challenge]]'', ''[[WWF WrestleFest]]'', ''[[WWF Rage in the Cage]]'', ''[[WWF Attitude]]'', ''[[WWF WrestleMania 2000 (video game)|WWF WrestleMania 2000]]'', ''[[WWF SmackDown! (video game)|WWF SmackDown!]]'', ''[[WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role]]'' and ''[[WWF No Mercy (video game)|WWF No Mercy]]''. He further appears posthumously in ''[[WWE Legends of WrestleMania]]'', ''[[WWE '13]]'', ''[[WWE 2K17]]'' <ref>{{cite web |title=Superstars to be featured on WWE 2K17 roster |publisher=[[WWE]].com |url=https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/article/wwe-2k17-roster-playable-characters-superstars |access-date=June 21, 2019}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K18]]'',<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE 2K18 roster: Meet the Superstars joining the list of playable characters |publisher=[[WWE]].com |url=https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k18/article/wwe-2k18-roster-playable-character-list |access-date=June 21, 2019}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K19]]'',<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE 2K19 Roster |publisher=[[WWE 2K]] |url=https://wwe.2k.com/roster/wwe-2k19 |access-date=June 21, 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423183805/https://wwe.2k.com/roster/wwe-2k19 |archive-date=April 23, 2019}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K20]]'', ''[[WWE 2K22]]'', ''[[WWE 2K23]]'' and ''[[WWE 2K24]]''.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 23 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 1992<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – 1992 |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50092.htm |access-date=August 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813033929/http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50092.htm |archive-date=August 13, 2011}}</ref>
**Ranked No. 138 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the "PWI Years" in 2003<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years |url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm |access-date=May 5, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707054220/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2011}}</ref>
*'''[[Universal Wrestling Federation (Bill Watts)|Universal Wrestling Federation]]'''
**[[UWF Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWF Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="Solie">{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Royal |last2=Will |first2=Gary |year=1998 |title=UWF World Heavyweight Title History |url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whtuwf.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020908154851/https://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whtuwf.html |archive-date=September 8, 2002 |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=[[Solie.org]]}}</ref>
*'''[[WWE|World Wrestling Federation/WWE]]'''
**[[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] ([[List of WWE Hardcore Champions|4 times]])<ref name="hardcore">{{Cite web |title=Hardcore Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/hardcore-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213115759/https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/hardcore-championship |archive-date=December 13, 2018 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
**[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)|1 time]]) – with [[Ken Shamrock]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Big Boss Man & Ken Shamrock |publisher=[[WWE]] |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321211112 |access-date=December 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129092420/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321211112 |archive-date=November 29, 2005}}</ref>
**[[WWE Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2016)
*'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Improved|Most Improved]] (1987)
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Gimmick|Best Gimmick]] (1996) – nWo
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (1996) New World Order vs. World Championship Wrestling
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Feud of the Year|Worst Feud of the Year]] (1996) vs. John Tenta
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Feud of the Year|Worst Feud of the Year]] (1999) vs. The Big Show
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Match of the Year|Worst Worked Match of the Year]] (1999) vs. Al Snow at [[Unforgiven (1999)|Unforgiven]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Ray Traylor}}
*{{Professional wrestling profiles}}
*{{IMDb name|0871498|Ray Traylor}}

{{New World Order}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE)}}
{{WWE Hardcore Championship}}
{{WWE Hall of Fame}}
{{UWF Heavyweight Championship}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Big Boss Man}}
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:2004 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:New World Order (professional wrestling) members]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Marietta, Georgia]]
[[Category:WWE Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)]]
[[Category:WWF/WWE Hardcore Champions]]

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