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{{short description|American professional wrestler}}
{{BLP sources|date=July 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name          = Chuck Palumbo
| names         = Chuck<br />Chuck Palumbo<br />The Dude
| image         = Chuck Palumbo 2015.jpg
| caption       = Palumbo in 2015
| birth_name    = Charles Ronald Palumbo
| height        = 6 ft 7 in<ref name=Encyclopedia>{{cite book|title=WWE Encyclopedia|last1=Shields|first1=Brian|last2=Sullivan|first2=Kevin|page=[https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/63 63]|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley|DK]]|year=2009|isbn=978-0-7566-4190-0|url=https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/63}}</ref> 
| weight        = 280 lb<ref name=Encyclopedia/>
| birth_date    = {{Birth date and age|1971|6|15}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Chuck Palumbo: Profile & Match Listing - Internet Wrestling Database (IWD) |url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/chuck-palumbo-332.html |website=www.profightdb.com |access-date=July 21, 2019}}</ref>
| birth_place   = [[West Warwick, Rhode Island]], U.S.
| alma_mater    = [[University of Central Missouri]]
| children      = 1
| billed        = [[Providence, Rhode Island]]<br />[[San Diego]], [[California]]
| trainer       = [[Paul Orndorff]]<br />[[WCW Power Plant]]
| debut         = 1998
| retired       = 2012
|
}}

'''Charles Ronald Palumbo''' (born June 15, 1971) is an American retired [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is best known for his appearances with [[professional wrestling promotion]]s [[World Championship Wrestling]] and the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment]] (WWE) in the late-1990s and 2000s, where he held the [[WCW World Tag Team Championship]] and [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF/E World Tag Team Championship]]. He hosted the [[Discovery Channel]] series ''[[Lords of the Car Hoards]]'' and "Rusted Development".

==Early life==
Chuck Palumbo grew up in [[West Warwick, Rhode Island|West Warwick]], [[Rhode Island]]. He attended [[West Warwick High School]], where he earned all-state honors in basketball.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww-ps.com/education/components/sectionlist/default.php?sectiondetailid=11122|title=Mr. Grenier - West Warwick Basketball|website=ww-ps.com|access-date=March 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915140117/http://www.ww-ps.com/education/components/sectionlist/default.php?sectiondetailid=11122|archive-date=September 15, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> He joined the US Navy soon after and spent time in the Persian Gulf, working the flight deck of the [[USS Carl Vinson]]. He was initially assigned to an F-18 Hornet squadron VAQ-34 at Lemoore, California before transferring to NAS Miramar in San Diego where he worked on the E-2C Hawkeye.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20140419/entertainment/304199949|title=R.I. native Chuck Palumbo finishing first season of TV's 'Lords of the Car Hoards'|first=Peter C.T.|last=Elsworth|website=providencejournal.com|access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> Chuck finished up his stint in the Navy and enrolled at the [[Community College of Rhode Island]] earning All-American honors in basketball<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccri.edu/athl/2015_WinterSportsGuide_FINAL-WebReady.pdf|title=Athletics at Community College of Rhode Island|website=ccri.edu|access-date=September 1, 2016|archive-date=August 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803160915/http://ccri.edu/athl/2015_WinterSportsGuide_FINAL-WebReady.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a full scholarship to [[University of Central Missouri]]. While attending Central Missouri, watching a WCW TV show, he saw a commercial for the [[WCW Power Plant|WCW PowerPlant]]. He called the number, and after graduating with a Criminal Justice degree, decided to accept their invitation to travel to Atlanta and train at the WCW Power Plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/ask-411-wrestling-01-18-12-why-cena-is-booed-dx-mocks-the-nation-piper-vs-snuka-and-more/|title=Why Cena Is Booed, DX Mocks The Nation, Piper VS Snuka And More.|website=411Mania|date=December 18, 2001}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career==

===World Championship Wrestling (1998–2001)===

====Training and undercard (1998–1999)====

Palumbo began his career in 1998 on the independent circuit, using a surfer gimmick and the [[ring name]] "The Dude". He made his debut appearance on [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW)'s ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Nitro]]'' on October 19, 1998, as a fan who accepted the challenge of [[Ernest Miller|Ernest "The Cat" Miller]]. Six months later, he was offered a training contract by WCW in April 1999. Just prior to the hiring of [[Vince Russo]] and [[Ed Ferrera]] as bookers for WCW, many of the WCW Power Plant wrestlers debuted on ''[[WCW Saturday Night|Saturday Night]]'' and ''[[WCW WorldWide|WorldWide]]''.

====World Tag Team Champion (2000–2001)====
{{See also|New Blood (professional wrestling)|Perfect Event|Natural Born Thrillers}}
On January 19, 2000, at ''WCW Saturday Night Taping (January '00 #3)'', Chuck Palumbo defeated [[Mike Sanders (wrestler)|Mike Sanders]].<ref name=Chuck-Palumbo> {{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/chuck-palumbo-332.html?sort=rev|title=Chuck Palumbo:Profile & Match Listing 2|website=profightdb.com|access-date=July 10, 2023}} </ref><ref> {{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/wcw/saturday-night-taping-january-3900-3-14051.html|title=WCW Saturday Night Taping (January '00 #3)|website=profightdb.com|access-date=July 17, 2023}} </ref>
On February 16, at ''WCW Saturday Night Taping (February '00 #4)'', Palumbo teamed with Sonny Siaki to defeat [[Allan Funk]] and [[Rick Cornell]].<ref name=Chuck-Palumbo/><ref name=Sonny-Siaki> {{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/sonny-siaki-749.html?sort=rev|title=Sonny Siaki:Profile & Match Listing|website=profightdb.com|access-date=July 12, 2023}} </ref><ref> {{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/wcw/saturday-night-taping-february-3900-4-14056.html|title=WCW Saturday Night Taping (February '00 #4)|website=profightdb.com|access-date=July 17, 2023}} </ref>
On March 1, at ''WCW Saturday Night Taping (March '00 #1)'', Palumbo and Siaki challenged [[Vito LoGrasso|Big Vito]] and [[Johnny Stamboli|Johnny The Bull]] for the WCW World Tag Team Titles but was unsuccessful at winning the titles.<ref name=Chuck-Palumbo/><ref name=Sonny-Siaki/><ref> {{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/wcw/saturday-night-taping-march-3900-1-15470.html|title=WCW Saturday Night Taping (March '00 #1)|website=profightdb.com|access-date=July 17, 2023}} </ref>
On March 5, at ''WCW Live'', Palumbo defeated [[Bobby Eaton]].<ref name=Chuck-Palumbo/><ref> {{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/wcw/wcw-live-19208.html|title=WCW WCW Live March 5, 2000|website=profightdb.com|access-date=July 17, 2023}} </ref>
On March 14, at ''WCW WorldWide Taping''' Chuck Palumbo was defeated by [[Lenny Lane]].<ref name=Chuck-Palumbo/><ref> {{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/wcw/worldwide-taping-10554.html|title=WCW WorldWide Taping March 14, 2023|website=profightdb.com|access-date=July 17, 2023}} </ref>
In 2000, Palumbo made his debut on WCW television on the March 21, 2000, edition of ''[[WCW Thunder|Thunder]]'' under his real name, losing to [[Scott Steiner]].<ref name=accelerator2>{{cite web|url=https://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/palumbo.html|title=Chuck Palumbo Bio|website=Accelerator3359}}</ref><ref name=Chuck-Palumbo/> After this match, Palumbo was chosen by Bischoff and Russo to be [[New Blood (professional wrestling)|The New Blood]]'s version of [[Lex Luger]] in May 2000.<ref name=accelerator2/> He was given the nickname "The Main Event".<ref name=accelerator2/>

Palumbo feuded with Luger until late May 2000 when Palumbo formed a team called "The [[Perfect Event]]" with [[Shawn Stasiak]] and the pair won the [[WCW World Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=accelerator>{{cite web|url=https://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/stasiak.html|title=Shawn Stasiak Bio|website=Accelerator3359}}</ref><ref name=accelerator2/> Their main feud was against [[KroniK]] ([[Brian Adams (wrestler)|Brian Adams]] and [[Bryan Clark]]).<ref name=accelerator2/><ref name=accelerator/> In August, Stasiak and Palumbo helped form the [[Natural Born Thrillers]] with [[Mike Sanders (wrestler)|Mike Sanders]], [[Sean O'Haire]], [[Mark Jindrak]], and [[Reno (wrestler)|Reno]] while they were briefly "coached" by [[Kevin Nash]].<ref name=accelerator2/><ref name=accelerator/>

Palumbo and Stasiak won the WCW World Tag Team Championship two more times before splitting in early January 2001 when he and Stasiak won a tag team battle royal with O'Haire and Jindrak for a future tag team title shot. After the conclusion of the match Mike Sanders declared both teams victorious and that any combination of the four would face [[The Insiders (professional wrestling)|The Insiders]] ([[Diamond Dallas Page]] and Kevin Nash). Palumbo and O'Haire were the two members of the Natural Born Thrillers who would face and defeat Page and Nash for the tag titles at [[WCW Sin|Sin]] on January 14, 2001. Following the title victory, the Natural Born Thrillers broke up when the team of Jindrak and Stasiak became jealous of Palumbo and O'Haire. The teams faced each other at [[SuperBrawl Revenge]] on February 18, 2001, for the tag team title, which Palumbo and O'Haire retained.<ref name=accelerator2/><ref name=accelerator/> The duo also retained the title against Totally Buffed ([[Buff Bagwell]] and Lex Luger) at [[WCW Greed|Greed]] in March, WCW's last [[pay-per-view]]. On March 23, the World Wrestling Federation acquired the assets of WCW and Palumbo's contract was acquired.<ref name=accelerator2/> The following Monday on the final episode of ''Nitro'', Palumbo and O'Haire defeated [[Team Canada (WCW)|Team Canada]]'s [[Mike Awesome]] and [[Lance Storm]] in the final WCW World Tag Team Championship title defense on the program.

=== New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2000) ===
On April 14, 2000, Chuck Palumbo made his NJPW debut, at ''NJPW Strong Energy '00 Day 1'', where he defeated [[Black Cat (wrestler)|Black Cat]].<ref name=Chuck-Palumbo/><ref> {{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/njpw/strong-energy-3900---day-1-43345.html|title=NJPW Strong Energy '00 Day 1|website=profightdb.com|access-date=July 18, 2023}} </ref>
On April 15, at ''NJPW Strong Energy '00 Day 2'', Palumbo teamed with Rick Cornell and [[Osamu Kido]] but was defeated by [[Brian Johnston (fighter)|Brian Johnston]], [[Junji Hirata]] and [[Tadao Yasuda]] in a 6 man tag match.<ref name=Chuck-Palumbo/><ref> {{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/njpw/strong-energy-3900---day-2-43346.html|title=NJPW Strong Energy '00 Day 2|website=profightdb.com|access-date=July 20, 2023}} </ref>
On April 16, at ''NJPW Strong Energy '00 Day 3'', Palumbo teamed with Rick Cornell, Dan Devine and Takashi Lazuka but was defeated by Hiro Saito, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Super J and Tatsutoshi Goto in a 8 person tag match.<ref name=Chuck-Palumbo/><ref> {{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/njpw/strong-energy-3900---day-3-43347.html|title=NJPW Strong Energy '00 Day 3|website=profightdb.com|access-date=July 31, 2023}} </ref>

===World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (2001–2004)===

====The Alliance (2001)====
{{See also|The Alliance (professional wrestling)}}
Palumbo and O'Haire made their WWF debuts on the June 28, 2001, episode of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' as part of [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|The Alliance]], attacking the [[Hardy Boyz]]. O'Haire and Palumbo started feuding with the [[Acolytes Protection Agency]] (A.P.A.) in the following weeks, which ended at [[WWF Invasion]] on July 22, 2001, when the [[Acolytes Protection Agency]] defeated them.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=John |date=July 22, 2001 |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2001/07/23/austin-turns-at-invasion/ |title=Austin turns at Invasion |publisher=SLAM! Wrestling |access-date=August 7, 2022}}</ref> Subsequently, O'Haire and Palumbo defeated the Hardy Boyz on the August 2, 2001, edition of ''SmackDown!''. O'Haire and Palumbo lost the WCW Tag Team Championship to the [[Brothers of Destruction]] ([[The Undertaker]] and [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]]) on the August 9, 2001, edition of ''SmackDown!'' and lost their rematch for the tag-team gold in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage match]] the following week on ''Raw''. O'Haire and Palumbo's last televised match together was on the August 26 edition of ''Heat'' defeating the [[Holly Cousins]] ([[Hardcore Holly|Hardcore]] and [[Crash Holly|Crash]]).

O'Haire was sent to developmental territory [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] in early September 2001, and Palumbo was thrown out of The Alliance on the October 25 edition of ''SmackDown!'' by storyline co-owner of The Alliance, [[Stephanie McMahon]]. He joined the WWF in November.

====Billy and Chuck (2001–2002)====
{{Main|Billy and Chuck}}
[[File:US Navy 020509-N-0119N-001 WWF wrestlers visit aboard USS Abraham Lincoln.jpg|thumb|right|Palumbo (left) and [[Big Boss Man]] (right) present Captain Doug Dupuoy of the U.S. Navy a WWF Championship Belt in 2002]]
When he returned, Palumbo found a tag team partner in [[Billy Gunn]]. The pair started as a tag team working dark matches, but were later given a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]] that saw the pair grow increasingly affectionate towards each other, showing evidence of a [[homosexuality|homosexual]] relationship. Palumbo became known simply as Chuck, and he bleached his hair blond to match Gunn's.

On the February 21, 2002, edition of ''SmackDown!'', Billy and Chuck defeated [[Taz (wrestler)|Tazz]] and [[Spike Dudley]] to win the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=TheSmackdownHotel>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/wwe/smackdown-2002|title=Smackdown 2002 Results.|website=The Smackdown Hotel}}</ref> Palumbo made his WrestleMania debut at [[WrestleMania X8]], when Billy and Chuck defend their titles in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|Four corners elimination match]] against the [[Acolytes Protection Agency|APA]], The [[Dudley Boyz]], and The Hardy Boyz.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/18/results|title=WWE Wrestlemania 18 Results.|website=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/ppv-special/wwf-wrestlemania-x8|title=Wrestlemania 18 Results|website=The Smackdown Hotel}}</ref> They lost the tag team gold to [[Rikishi (wrestler)|Rikishi]] and their stylist [[Rico Constantino]], who was forced to team with Rikishi on May 19, 2002, at [[Judgment Day (2002)|Judgment Day]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/2002/results|title=WWE Judgment Day 2002 Results.|website=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/ppv-special/wwe-judgment-day-2002|title=Judgment Day 2002 Results|website=The Smackdown Hotel}}</ref> Less than a month later Rico helped Billy and Chuck recapture the title, but they later lost it to [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] and [[Hulk Hogan|Hollywood Hulk Hogan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/hulk-hogan-and-edge-vs-billy-and-chuck-world-tag-team-championship-match-smackdown-july-4-2002|title=Billy and Chuck VS Hulk Hogan and Edge.|website=WWE}}</ref><ref name=TheSmackdownHotel/>

In the second half of 2002, Billy and Chuck were the source of controversy when Chuck apparently [[Betrothal|proposed]] to Billy on September 5, 2002, edition of ''SmackDown!'' asking him to be his "partner for life". They had a marriage ceremony on the 2002 season premiere of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wjzoa|title=Billy And Chucks Wedding|website=Daily Motion|date=October 8, 2016 }}</ref> Just before they tied the knot, however, they revealed that the entire ordeal was a [[publicity stunt]], and both characters disavowed their on-screen homosexuality. When Billy and Chuck decided not to go through with the marriage, Rico turned on them by helping Eric Bischoff and [[3-Minute Warning]] attack the duo. Rico subsequently jumped to ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' as the manager of 3-Minute Warning, who beat Billy and Chuck at [[Unforgiven (2002)|Unforgiven]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2021/10/ppv-review-wwe-unforgiven-2002.html|title=WWE Unforgiven 2002 Results|website=Retro Pro Wrestling}}</ref> Billy was injured in early October 2002, and Chuck worked on ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]'' for a few months using his original ring name Chuck Palumbo once again.

====The Full Blooded Italians (2003–2004)====
{{BLP sources section|date=June 2023}}
{{See also|Full Blooded Italians}}
In February 2003, Palumbo formed the [[Full Blooded Italians]] (F.B.I.) in WWE, a faction which had previously been seen in [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW). After a beating at the hands of Rikishi, [[Nunzio (wrestler)|Nunzio]] threatened to bring in his "family" in order to gain revenge. The next week, Palumbo and [[Johnny Stamboli|Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli]] joined Nunzio to form the F.B.I. and attacked Rikishi.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}  This version initially gained little success, but would go on to have brief feuds with [[Los Guerreros]], [[Chris Benoit]], [[Rhyno]], [[Brian Kendrick]], [[Nathan Jones (wrestler)|Nathan Jones]], the APA, and The Undertaker.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

Palumbo was traded to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw brand]] on March 22, 2004, along with [[Matt Bloom|A-Train]] in exchange for Rico and [[Jackie Gayda]].{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} After Palumbo was traded to the Raw brand, he was kept off television until July 2004, when he debuted with a new look and entrance music. His new image resembled a cross between an [[auto mechanic]] and a [[Greaser (subculture)|greaser]].{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} He would later give himself the nickname "Custom Chucky P."{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} It was not long before Palumbo was a regular on ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night Heat]]''.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} His new gimmick started off usually losing matches but began to rise on ''Heat'', defeating the likes of [[Gregory Helms|The Hurricane]], [[Rosey (wrestler)|Rosey]], [[Val Venis]] and [[Stevie Richards]].{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} On the October 31, 2004, airing of ''Heat'', Palumbo had his most high-profile match on the Raw brand when he faced former [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Chris Benoit]], but was defeated. Palumbo was released by WWE soon after on November 4, 2004.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

===Independent circuit (2005–2006)===
Palumbo, along with Johnny Stamboli, went on to become a member of [[Voodoo Murders]] of [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) and feuded against [[Roughly Obsess and Destroy]]. Palumbo teamed with former FBI partner Stamboli to challenge for the [[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]] on March 20, 2005, but were defeated by Jamal and Taiyo Kea of RO&D.

Stamboli and Palumbo's next stop would be with the [[:fr:New Wrestling Entertainment|Nu-Wrestling Evolution]] promotion in [[Italy]], where the pair reformed the FBI. The duo also made appearances in a [[World Wrestling Council]] show where they challenged [[Último Dragón]], [[Místico]], and [[Negro Casas]], in a tag team match which they would win by securing both the first and third falls. In early 2006, he made appearances in Mexico for Toryumon Mexico.

===Return to WWE (2006–2008)===
[[File:Chuck Palumbo and William Regal RAW House Show 06-23-07.JPG|thumb|right|[[William Regal]] (top) and Chuck Palumbo competing at a [[WWE Raw|Raw]] [[house show]] in 2007]]
In March 2006, Palumbo re-signed with the WWE and began working [[house show]]s and [[List of professional wrestling terms#Dark match|dark matches]] over the next year. Palumbo officially returned on the May 25, 2007, edition of ''Heat'' with a biker gimmick, and defeated [[Charlie Haas]]. He then continued making appearances on ''Heat'', where he consistently defeated jobbers. In an [[interview]] with WWE.com, Palumbo claimed that the biker character was not a gimmick and that he works on bikes two or three times a week. On July 6, 2007, Palumbo made his ''SmackDown!'' re-debut, defeating [[Kenny Dykstra]] in his return match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/07/4321153.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715060934/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/07/4321153.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Smackdown: The Great Khali runs wild|date=July 7, 2007|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=July 12, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

Palumbo began an on-screen relationship with [[Michelle McCool]], whom he teamed with to defeat Dykstra and [[Lisa Marie Varon|Victoria]] in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Mixed tag team match|mixed tag team match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09142007|title=Forgive and forget?|website=wwe.com|access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> He then feuded with [[Jamie Noble]], after Noble made advances towards McCool.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/22/4678051.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716134038/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/22/4678051.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=Smackdown: U.S. spoiler edition|date=November 22, 2007|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=July 12, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/01/4700342.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714193151/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/01/4700342.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Smackdown: Triple Threat for Armageddon|date=December 1, 2007|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=July 12, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> After a series of matches between the men, Noble won a [[Dating|date]] with McCool by defeating Palumbo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/08/4714509.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714175831/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/08/4714509.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Smackdown: Edge barely escapes the Dead Man's wrath|date=December 8, 2007|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=July 12, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Palumbo accidentally elbowed McCool during a match, causing her to suffer a storyline [[concussion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/michellemccool/lovinlife/020508|title=Lovin' Life, No. 9|last=McCool|first=Michelle|access-date=September 2, 2008|date=February 5, 2009|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The partnership was dissolved when McCool refused to accept his apology the following week. Palumbo vowed to get revenge on Noble,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/02/4809228.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729005822/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/02/4809228.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 29, 2012|title=Smackdown: 'Taker and Kane back together|date=February 2, 2008|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=July 12, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> and defeated Noble the following week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/09/4836618.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714064700/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/09/4836618.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Smackdown: Six men go at it again|date=February 9, 2008|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=July 12, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

Palumbo participated in the [[Royal Rumble (2008)|Royal Rumble match]], where he eliminated Jamie Noble. He next appeared at [[WrestleMania XXIV]], taking part in a 24-man Interpromotional Battle Royal to crown a number one contender to the ECW Championship, where he also eliminated Noble. During a series of house shows in June 2008, Palumbo challenged [[Matt Hardy]] for the United States Championship, though he was unsuccessful in winning the championship. As part of the [[2008 WWE Draft#Supplemental draft|2008 WWE Supplemental Draft]], Palumbo was drafted to the Raw brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwedraft2008/7505418/|title=WWE Supplemental Draft results|access-date=July 12, 2009|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> He never made his return to the brand however, as he was released from his WWE contract on November 7, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/londonpalumborelease08|title=Paul London and Chuck Palumbo released|date=November 7, 2008|access-date=July 12, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>

===Independent circuit (2008–2012)===
[[File:Chuck Palumbo HEW Heavyweight Champion.jpg|thumb|right|Palumbo with the HEW Heavyweight Championship]]
Palumbo returned to Mexico to team with [[Damián 666]] and [[Konnan]] in a losing effort against D-Generation MEX at ''Wrestling in Tijuana'' on December 25, 2008. He also teamed with Konnan in [[World Wrestling Association]]. Palumbo wrestled for [[Ultimo Dragon]]'s [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]] promotion and competed in the [[International Wrestling League|IWL]] World Title Tournament in Mexico as well.

He returned to Nu-Wrestling (now named [[:fr:New Wrestling Entertainment|New Wrestling Entertainment]], and located in France) in September 2009, and feuded with [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Anderson]]. Palumbo, Anderson and Tiny Iron competed in a triple threat for the vacant NWE Heavyweight Championship, which Anderson won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2009/1009/522448/ken-anderson-wins-world-title/|title=Wrestling News - The Latest WWE News, PPV Coverages, Videos - WrestlingInc.com|website=WrestlingInc.com|date=October 9, 2009 |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> Palumbo challenged Anderson to a match for the championship on October 3, 2009, but was defeated.

On November 13, 2009, Palumbo won the Herts and Essex Wrestling (HEW) Heavyweight Championship from Brett Meadows in Braintree, England.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgRWYEj5294|title=Brett "The Kraft" Meadows vs. Chuck Palumbo|last=British Wrestling Classics|date=March 23, 2016|access-date=March 19, 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref> He is the first American to hold the British promotion's championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ksSbcp_yuU|title=Chuck Palumbo: New HEW Heavyweight Champion|last=HertsEssexWrestling|date=November 25, 2009|access-date=March 19, 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref> However, he lost the championship back to Meadows two days later in Colchester, England following interference from Sam Knee and [[Saraya Bevis|Britani Knight]].

In an interview with ''Hit The Ropes Radio'', Palumbo confirmed he was in talks with [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|TNA]] to sign with the company,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/126327-chuck-palumbo-to-tna-and-more|title=Chuck Palumbo to TNA ?|first=Daris|last=Brown|website=bleacherreport.com|access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> though he opted not to sign. Palumbo wrestled his final match at Future Stars Wrestling's New Years Resolution event in 2012, where he defeated Jayson Cash.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFgDoVWU1tk|title=Jayson Cash vs Chuck Palumbo|last=FutureStarsWrestling|date=June 15, 2012|access-date=March 19, 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref> After this, he quietly retired, and confirmed to Bill Apter in a 2014 interview that his wrestling career was over.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hg9Afi1ZT4|title=CHUCK PALUMBO TALKS ABOUT SEAN O' HAIRE & MORE @THE APTER CHAT|last=1WrestlingVideo|date=September 20, 2014|access-date=March 19, 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref>

==Other endeavors==
{{see also|Lords of the Car Hoards}}
Palumbo runs a business called CP Kustoms, where he builds his own motorcycles, as well as repairing and customizing cars and motorcycles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chuckpalumbo.com/|title=chuckpalumbo.com|website=www.chuckpalumbo.com|access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> A Palumbo-made motorcycle was featured in the April issue of ''[[American Iron Magazine]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/articles/4375486/chuckpalumbodebut|title=WWE: TV Shows > SmackDown > Articles > 07/06/2007 > Chuck Palumbo's debut reflects Superstar's passion|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> In 2009, Palumbo built a motorcycle to raise money for veterans returning home. He rode the bike across the country to gather donations and raffles, with 100% of the proceeds going to ''Fueled by the Fallen'', a nonprofit that supports troops after they return home.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bikerornot.com/Event/59165|title=US Fallen Troops Tour w/ WWE star Chuck Palumbo|website=BikerOrNot.com|access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://smokeoutrally.com/ |title = Smoke Out|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090201185623/http://smokeoutrally.com/|archive-date = February 1, 2009}}</ref>

In 2006 Palumbo learned how to play guitar, and now plays in his own band, 3 Spoke Wheel.<ref>{{cite web|last=Melok |first=Bobby |title=Where Are They Now?: Chuck Palumbo |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/where-are-they-now-chuck-palumbo-26055157/page-3 |access-date=December 11, 2012 |archive-date=December 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220072024/http://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/where-are-they-now-chuck-palumbo-26055157/page-3 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead }}</ref> Using the same theme as CP Kustoms, he opened up Chuck Palumbo's Garage Gym, where he teaches cross-fit classes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cpgaragegym.com/|title=Chuck Palumbo's Garage Gym|website=cpgaragegym.com|access-date=March 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229193958/http://cpgaragegym.com/|archive-date=December 29, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2014, he began co-hosting the Discovery Channel's ''[[Lords of the Car Hoards]]'' with custom car builder [[Rick Dore]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Wang |first1=K. S. |title=Celebrity Drive: Chuck Palumbo of Discovery's "Rusted Development" |url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/celebrity-drive-chuck-palumbo-of-discoverys-rusted-development/ |access-date=March 14, 2022 |magazine=[[Motor Trend]] |date=October 30, 2015 |language=en}}</ref> The show focuses on SLAM garage, the garage Dore and Palumbo co-own, to fix and customize cars and motorcycles. For the second season the show was renamed ''Rusted Development''.

==Personal life==
Palumbo's brother, Chris, was awarded several [[medal]]s for his [[military]] service in [[Afghanistan]] including the Distinguished Service Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=17156|title=Christopher Palumbo - Recipient - Military Times Hall Of Valor|website=valor.militarytimes.com|access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> Palumbo is good friends with fellow professional wrestlers [[Dave Bautista|Batista]], [[Mark Jindrak]], [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]], [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.]] and [[Rey Mysterio]]. He was also close to former tag partner [[Sean O'Haire]], who died September 8, 2014.

Palumbo currently resides in San Diego, California. He has a daughter named Charli, who is an aspiring DJ.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chuck Palumbo: Current Photos |url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/palumbo-current-photos#fid-26079899 |website=WWE |access-date=August 28, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/djcharlimusic|title=Dj CHARLi|website=SoundCloud|access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> In January 2016, Palumbo reportedly saved a woman from a car accident by lifting the car, then lifting the woman out of the car.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestling.com/ex-wwe-star-chuck-palumbo-saves-women-from-a-car-wreck/|title=Ex-WWE Star Chuck Palumbo Saves Women From A Car Wreck - ProWrestling.com|date=January 9, 2016|website=prowrestling.com|access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''Herts and Essex Wrestling'''
**HEW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=39615|access-date=November 14, 2009|title=HEW Friday the 13th|publisher=Cagematch|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=5&nr=733|access-date=November 14, 2009|title=HEW Heavyweight Championship|publisher=Cagematch|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=74&view=erfolge#erfolge|access-date=November 14, 2009|title=Chuck Palumbo profile|publisher=Cagematch|language=de}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**[[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (2002)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwittoty.htm |access-date=June 21, 2008 |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Tag Team of the Year |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415150056/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwittoty.htm |archive-date=April 15, 2008 }}</ref> – with [[Billy Gunn|Billy]]
**PWI ranked him No. 37 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2002<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50002.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2002|access-date=April 5, 2011|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707054429/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50002.htm|archive-date=July 7, 2011}}</ref>
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]]'''
**Yamaha Cup (2006) – with [[Johnny Stamboli]]<ref name=Yahama2006>{{cite web | url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/toryumon/yamaha.html#yamaha2006 | title= Yamaha Cup 2006 | date= March 4, 2006 | access-date= August 23, 2013 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref>
*'''[[World Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[WCW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Tag Team Champions|4 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttwcw.html|access-date=June 21, 2008|last=Duncan|first=Royal|title=WCW&nbsp;– World Championship Wrestling WCW World Tag Team Title History|publisher=Solie}}</ref>&nbsp;– with [[Shawn Stasiak]] (3) and [[Sean O'Haire]] (1)
*'''[[WWE|World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF/E Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/|access-date=June 21, 2008|title=World Tag Team Championship official history|publisher=WWE}}</ref> – with Billy

== See also ==
* [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|The Alliance]]
* [[Billy and Chuck]]
* [[The Full Blooded Italians#SmackDown!|The Full Blooded Italians]]
* ''[[Lords of the Car Hoards]]''
* [[The Natural Born Thrillers]]
* [[The New Blood]]
* [[The Perfect Event]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Chuck Palumbo}}
* {{official website|http://www.chuckpalumbo.com}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0658848|name=Chuck Palumbo}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{WCW World Tag Team Championship}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE)}}
{{Voodoo Murders}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Palumbo, Chuck}}
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:Sportspeople of Italian descent]]
[[Category:LGBTQ characters in professional wrestling]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from West Warwick, Rhode Island]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Rhode Island]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Providence, Rhode Island]]
[[Category:Full Blooded Italians members]]
[[Category:University of Central Missouri alumni]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:WCW World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:West Warwick High School alumni]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)]]