View source for Tony Halme

{{short description|Finnish boxer and politician (1963–2010)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Tony Halme
| image              = 
| caption            = 
| birth_name         = Tony Christian Halme
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1963|1|6}}<ref name=Cage/><ref name="acceleratorbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/borga.html|title=Ludvig Borga Bio|access-date=2008-01-12|publisher=Accelerator 3359}}</ref>
| death_date         = {{death date and age|2010|1|8|1963|1|6}}<ref name=Cage/><ref name="acceleratorbio"/>
| birth_place        = [[Helsinki]], Finland<ref name="acceleratorbio"/>
| death_place        = Helsinki, Finland
| spouse             = {{marriage|Katja Talus|1998|2005|reason=divorced}}
| module             = {{Infobox professional wrestler|child=yes
| names = {{plainlist|
*The Viking<ref name="owwbio"/><ref name=Cage/>
*Finland Hellraiser Thor<ref name="acceleratorbio"/>
*Finland Thor<ref name=Cage/>
*Royal Viking<ref name=Cage/>
*Tony Halme<ref name="owwbio"/><ref name=Cage/>
*Ludvig Borga<ref name="owwbio"/><ref name=Cage/>
}}
| height= 6 ft 3 in<ref name=Encyclopedia>{{cite book |title=WWE Encyclopedia |last1=Shields |first1=Brian |last2=Sullivan |first2=Kevin |page=[https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/192 192] |publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley|DK]] |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-7566-4190-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/192}}</ref>
| weight= 275 lb<ref name=Encyclopedia/>
| billed = Helsinki, Finland
| trainer = {{plainlist|
*[[Brad Rheingans]]<ref name=WONObit>{{cite journal| last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = January 18, 2010 | title =  Jan. 18, 2010 Observer Newsletter: UFC sale details, Bret Hart interview, TNA/Spike, Tony Halme obit | journal = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | location = [[Campbell, California]] | issn = 1083-9593}}</ref>
*[[Gene LeBell]]
*[[Gokor Chivichyan]]
*[[Masa Saito]]<ref name=WONObit/>
*[[Verne Gagne]]<ref name="owwbio"/>
}}
| debut = 1989<ref name=Cage/>
| retired = December 20, 1997
}}
| module2            = {{Infobox officeholder
|embed=yes
| office = Member of the [[Finnish Parliament]] for [[Helsinki (constituency)|Helsinki]]
| term_start = 2003
| term_end = 2007
| party = [[Independent politician|Independent]]
| otherparty = [[Finns Party|True Finns]] (2003–2007)
}}
}}
'''Tony Christian Halme'''<ref name=Cage>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=1174&name=Ludvig+Borga |title=Ludvig Borga « Wrestler-Datenbank « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |website=Cagematch.de |access-date=2016-02-04}}</ref><ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref name="owwbio"/> (January 6, 1963 – January 8, 2010) was a Finnish politician, [[sportsperson|athlete]], author, actor, and singer. He was a member of the [[Parliament of Finland|Finnish Parliament]] from 2003 to 2007 as an [[Independent (politician)|independent]] elected on the [[Finns Party|True Finns]] party list. Halme was also known by the pseudonym ''[[viking|Viikinki]]'', which he used while appearing in ''[[Gladiaattorit]]'', a Finnish version of the TV game show ''[[Gladiators (television franchise)|Gladiators]]'', in the 1990s.

He was also a [[professional wrestler]] best known for his appearances with [[Catch Wrestling Association]] (CWA), [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) and [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) under the [[ring name#Wrestling|ring name]] '''Ludvig Borga'''; a [[mixed martial artist]] and the first fighter from the Nordic countries to ever compete in the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] (UFC); and a [[professional boxer]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.mmafighting.com/2010/01/10/tony-halme-randy-coutures-first-mma-opponent-dead-at-47|title=Tony Halme, Randy Couture's First MMA Opponent, Dead at 47|last=Chiappetta |first= Mike|date= 2010-01-10|website= mmafighting.com|access-date=13 February 2023 |quote=In addition to fighting mixed martial arts, Halme also performed as a professional wrestler, competing as "Ludvig Borga" in the World Wrestling Federation in the early 1990s. He also boxed professionally, finishing with a 13-6 record.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.thesportster.com/ufc-one-time-fighters/#tony-halme|title=10 Notable UFC Fighters (Who Only Fought Once In The Company) |last= Minor|first=Scott |date= May 14, 2022|website= TheSportster|access-date= 17 February 2023|quote=(#7) Tony Halme is most known for his time in the WWE back in the early 90s. Under the name Ludvig Borga, Halme was one of the company’s top bad guys playing a foreign menace who was going to take out the WWE’s American heroes. After a short stint in the WWE, Halme left the squared circle and stepped into the octagon. In 1997, at UFC 13, Halme competed in the one-night UFC heavyweight tournament. In the first round, he fought a future hall of famer, making his MMA debut, Randy Couture. The future UFC Champion took just a minute to submit Halme. Couture went on to win the tournament and had a legendary career.}}</ref>

During his time in CWA, he was an accomplished [[Card (sports)#Main eventer|main eventer]], who headlined many events for the company including the company's flagship event [[Euro Catch Festival]] three times.

==Early life==
Tony Halme spent his childhood in [[Lauttasaari]], Helsinki. His father left the family when Tony was six months old. His older brother – who was five years older than Tony – assumed the role of father figure. Halme only heard from his father a couple of times during his life. His mother was an [[alcoholic]] with a constant [[revolving door]] of male partners. As an adult, Halme considered his brother to be his only true friend.<ref name="ReferenceA">Tony Halme, "Jumala armahtaa, minä en" {{ISBN|9789525170023}}</ref><ref name="Suvi Kerttula 2020, p. 2">Suvi Kerttula: Haavoitettu Viikinki. Ilta-Sanomat 4. January 2020, Plus-liite p. 2–6. Helsinki: Sanoma Media.</ref> In the mid-1970s, Tony, his mother and brother moved to [[Soukka]], [[Espoo]]. Halme attended ''{{ill|kansakoulu|fi}}'' and a [[Lyceum#Finland|''oppikoulu'']].<ref>[https://www.eduskunta.fi/FI/kansanedustajat/Sivut/763.aspx ''Tony Halme'']</ref> He later attended a Swedish-language school and studied at the electrician line at the [[Strömberg School of Engineering]]. However, he dropped out of the latter after two years. At the age of 16, Halme left his mother's home and moved in with his uncle to [[Kannelmäki]].<ref name="Suvi Kerttula 2020, p. 2"/>

Athletic from a young age, he actively participated in sports such as [[handball]], [[Football (soccer)|football]] and [[ice hockey]]. He also began power training and weightlifting in his late teens after watching his brothers, who were on the Finnish national team.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} Aged 17, he had won a silver medal at the Finnish Bodybuilding Championship. He also worked a wide variety of jobs, including [[fishmonger]], gatekeeper, glass cutter, singer, [[Page (servant)|page]], stuntman, TV and radio presenter, and coach.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} He later enlisted in the Finnish army and continued his training with the Finnish military sports team. After leaving the army, he became involved in boxing and worked as a bouncer in bars.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

Halme developed a fascination with the United States after seeing [[Martin Scorsese]]’s film ''[[Taxi Driver]]'' at the age of 12, Halme also had a dream to get to the [[Gold's Gym]] and see it.<ref name="Suvi Kerttula 2020, p. 2"/> He left Finland to live in [[Los Angeles]] in the 1980s and lived there for 15 years. He resumed bodybuilding in the US also and began to take [[anabolic steroids]] regularly. He worked as a [[bodyguard]] for the music group [[Cheap Trick]] and musician [[Gene Simmons]], and also as an actor, professional wrestler and a boxer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/ludvig-borga-surreal-shocking-life/|title = Ludvig Borga - the Surreal, Shocking Life of Tony Halme|date = May 29, 2020}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career==
===Early career (1989–1990)===
Halme was trained by [[Verne Gagne]] as a powerhouse [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. In 1990, he wrestled in New Zealand losing to [[Tom Magee]].

===Universal Wrestling Federation (1990)===
He made his debut for [[Herb Abrams]]'s [[Universal Wrestling Federation (Herb Abrams)|Universal Wrestling Federation]] (UWF) on October 29, 1990 as The Viking. In his first match, he defeated The Patriot, not to be confused with Del Wilkes, but a no name wrestler with a mask.<ref name="owwbio">{{cite web|title=Ludvig Borga Profile|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/ludvig-borga/|access-date=2008-01-12|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="uwf1990">{{cite web|url=http://herbabramsuwf.googlepages.com/episodeguide1990.htm|title=UWF 1990 Episode Guide|access-date=2008-01-12|publisher=Herb Abrams' UWF}}</ref> He then went on to defeat Kevin Benjamin.

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1990–1993)===
On October 25, 1990, Halme made his debut for the Japanese promotion [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), defeating [[Charles Wright (wrestler)|The Soul Taker]] in what was billed as a "boxer vs. wrestler" match.<ref name=WONObit/> Halme was brought in as an outsider and billed as a professional boxing champion with his matches billed as [[Mixed martial arts]] matches.<ref name=WONObit/> He was instantly pushed as a big deal, scoring wins over the likes of [[Scott Norton]], [[Big Van Vader|Vader]] and most notably [[Shinya Hashimoto]] on December 26, 1990.<ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref name=WONObit/><ref name="njpw1990">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results90.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070403205941/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results90.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-04-03|title=NJPW 1990 results|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=Strong Style Spirit }}</ref> Halme was main eventing shows regularly as he was pushed as the biggest star of a crew that included the likes of [[Bobby Eaton]], [[Chris Benoit]], [[Dean Malenko]], [[Eddy Guerrero]] and [[Fit Finlay]].<ref name=WONObit/> Despite Halme not getting over with NJPW fans, the company was doing strong business during his push.<ref name=WONObit/>

On April 30, 1991, Halme defeated [[Masashi Aoyagi]] in a boxer versus karate match.<ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref name=WONObit/><ref name="njpw1991">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results91.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070929083522/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results91.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-09-29|title=NJPW 1991 results|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=Strong Style Spirit }}</ref> He remained undefeated in NJPW until September 23, 1991, when he was defeated by Shinya Hashimoto in their third match against each other in front of 18,000 fans at the [[Yokohama Arena]].<ref name=WONObit/> While Halme's matches with Hashimoto were not considered quality matches, he has been credited with helping Hashimoto take his career to another level as the win made Hashimoto look like a "real fighter" as opposed to a professional wrestler.<ref name=WONObit/> Halme's "boxer versus wrestler" gimmick was ended on October 18, 1991, when he was defeated by Vader.<ref name=WONObit/>

In 1992, Halme was teamed in matches with Scott Norton, [[Bam Bam Bigelow]] and [[Barry Windham]].<ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref name="njpw1992">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results92.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080112070719/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results92.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-01-12|title=NJPW 1992 results|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=Strong Style Spirit }}</ref> He also competed in the NJPW Super Grade Tag League II teaming with [[Masahiro Chono]], together scoring 8 points and finishing fourth overall.<ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref name="Super Grade Tag League II">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/sg-tag.html#92|title=Super Grade Tag League II|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> The tournament was won by Shinya Hashimoto and [[Riki Choshu]].<ref name="Super Grade Tag League II"/> On November 22, 1992, Halme and Norton won the [[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] from [[The Steiner Brothers]] ([[Rick Steiner|Rick]] and [[Scott Steiner|Scott]]).<ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref name="njpw1992"/><ref name="iwgptagtitles">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/history/tagtitle.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131234118/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/history/tagtitle.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-31|title=IWGP Tag Team Championship history|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=Strong Style Spirit }}</ref> However, the next night, Halme and Norton were forced to face each other with separate tag team partners with Halme and [[Ron Powers (wrestler)|Ron Powers]] losing to Norton and TNT.<ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref name="njpw1992"/>

On December 14, Halme and Norton lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to the [[The Road Warriors|Hell Raisers]] ([[Road Warrior Hawk|Hawk Warrior]] and [[Kensuke Sasaki|Power Warrior]]).<ref name="iwgptagtitles"/> On January 4, 1993, at ''[[Fantastic Story in Tokyo Dome]]'' (in North America aired on PPV as [[WCW/New Japan Supershow#III|WCW/New Japan Supershow III]]), Halme was pinned by [[Ron Simmons]].<ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref name="Supershow III">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome90.html#93|title=Fantastic Story in Tokyo Dome results|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128130301/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome90.html#93|archive-date=November 28, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On February 16, 1993, Halme teamed up with [[Luc Poirier|Monsieur Rambo]] for the IWGP Tag Team Championship against the Hell Raisers, but lost.<ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref name="njpw1993">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results93.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070729045523/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results93.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-07-29|title=NJPW 1993 results|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=Strong Style Spirit }}</ref>

Behind the scenes, Halme started having problems with Hawk Warrior and Scott Norton.<ref name=WONObit/> It also came out that Halme had knocked out Norton in a legitimate street fight, though some claimed this was the result of a sucker punch by Halme. Fearing that Norton would be looking for retribution on Halme, NJPW officials took a secret vote on what to do with the two.<ref name=WONObit/> Afterwards, Halme started losing matches more regularly and eventually left the promotion in June 1993.<ref name=WONObit/> His last match took place on June 17, when he and [[The Barbarian (wrestler)|The Barbarian]] lost to [[John Tenta]] and [[Tonga Fifita|Haku]].<ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref name="njpw1993"/>

===World Wrestling Federation (1993–1994)===

On ''[[WWF Superstars of Wrestling|Superstars]]'' aired on July 24, Halme debuted in the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) as '''Ludvig Borga''', a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] Finn who appeared in a series of vignettes castigating Americans for their perceived deficiencies in issues such as environmental laws and their educational system. His singlet was adorned with the [[Finland|Finnish]] flag, and his entrance music was ''[[Maamme]]'', the country's [[national anthem]]. After an initial streak of [[Squash (professional wrestling)|squash victories]] over [[Job (professional wrestling)#Jobbers|jobbers]],<ref name="superstars">{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Cawthon|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/superstars.htm|title=Superstars results|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=Angelfire |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071212020541/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/superstars.htm |archive-date = 2007-12-12}}</ref> Borga defeated former [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]] [[Marty Jannetty]] at [[SummerSlam (1993)|SummerSlam]].<ref name="acceleratorbio"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/1993/results|title=SummerSlam 1993 official results|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=WWE |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071210055456/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/1993/results |archive-date = 2007-12-10}}</ref>

Borga was immediately pushed to main event status as he entered a feud with the federation's top [[Face (professional wrestling)|babyface]], "Made in the USA" [[Lex Luger]]. On the October 30, 1993 edition of ''Superstars'' (filmed September 28), Borga had the biggest win of his career when he ended [[Tatanka (wrestler)|Tatanka]]'s undefeated streak of nearly two years, dominating him throughout their match and ultimately knocking him out with a steel chair while the referee was distracted by [[Harry Fujiwara|Mr. Fuji]] at ringside. In a mockery of Luger's past "Narcissist" gimmick, Borga pinned Tatanka with one finger.<ref name="superstars"/> At [[Survivor Series (1993)|Survivor Series]], Borga participated in the main event, teaming up with [[Yokozuna (wrestler)|Yokozuna]], [[Jacques Rougeau|Quebecer Jacques]] and [[Brian Adams (wrestler)|Crush]] as the "Foreign Fanatics" against "All-Americans" Lex Luger, [[The Undertaker]] and [[The Steiner Brothers]].<ref name="Survivor Series - All-Americans vs Foreign Fanatics">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1993/mainevent/|title=Survivor Series 1993 main event|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Borga and Luger were the final two remaining participants and Borga was eliminated by Luger after a running forearm smash.<ref name="Survivor Series - All-Americans vs Foreign Fanatics"/> On December 14, Borga pinned [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]] [[Scott Hall (wrestler)|Razor Ramon]] at a [[house show]], but the win was overturned and the match resumed because Razor's foot was on the bottom rope. Borga pinned Razor again after [[Shawn Michaels]] hit Razor with a title belt, but the decision was reversed and Borga disqualified.<ref name="owwbio"/><ref name="wwf1993">{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Cawthon|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/93.htm|title=Ring Results: 1993|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=The History of WWE |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071117080616/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/93.htm |archive-date = 2007-11-17}}</ref>

On January 17, 1994, Halme injured his ankle in a match with [[Rick Steiner]], forcing the WWF to cancel future plans for the Borga character that included a scheduled appearance at the [[Royal Rumble (1994)|1994 Royal Rumble]] and a proposed [[WrestleMania X]] match against [[John Tenta|Earthquake]], Borga was replaced by [[Bryan Clark|Adam Bomb]] who was defeated in seconds. Halme left the company soon after.<ref name=wwf1994>{{cite web|title=Ring Results: 1994 |access-date=2008-05-27 |last=Cawthon |first=Graham |url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/94.htm |publisher=The History of WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501152837/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/94.htm |archive-date=May 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>

===Return to Universal Wrestling Federation (1994)===
After leaving the WWF, Halme returned to UWF for [[Blackjack Brawl]] as the Finland Hellraiser Thor against [[Bob Orton Jr.]] in a double disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-uwf-blackjack-brawl/|title=The Furious Flashbacks – UWF Blackjack Brawl|work=411Mania|date=March 17, 2012|author=Arnold Furious|access-date=26 December 2018}}</ref>

===Fighting Network Rings (1994–1997)===
Halme returned to Japan in August 1994, this time working for [[Fighting Network Rings]]. During his debut, he defeated Thomas Lurosi by knockout. That Fall, he participated in a Mega Battle Tournament where he defeated Dimitri Petkov and Tarial Bitsadze before losing to [[Akira Maeda]] in the third round. 

In 1995, lost twice to [[Dick Vrij]] and once to [[Volk Han]]. 

He would lose to [[Mitsuya Nagai]] on January 24, 1996.  

His final match with RINGS was a loss to [[Dick Vrij]] on April 22, 1997.

===Catch Wrestling Association (1995–1997)===
Halme wrestled as Ludvig Borga for [[Catch Wrestling Association]] (CWA) in 1995. On December 20, Borga won the [[CWA World Heavyweight Championship|World Heavyweight Championship]], his first and only singles championship, by defeating [[Luc Poirier|Rambo]] at the [[Euro Catch Festival#1995 (Bremen)|1995 Euro Catch Festival]]. Borga held the title for over a year, including a major title defense against [[August Smisl]] at the [[Euro Catch Festival#1996|Euro Catch Festival]] in July. He then lost the title back to Rambo at [[Euro Catch Festival#1996 (Bremen)|Euro Catch Festival]] on December 21.<ref name="cwatitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/europe/austria/cwa/eu-cwa-h.html|title=CWA World Heavyweight Championship history|access-date=2008-01-13|publisher=Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo}}</ref> His final match for the CWA was a boxing match against Tony Richardson, which he won by knocking out Richardson in the fourth round.

==Mixed martial arts==
After retiring from professional wrestling in 1997, Halme went on to fight in the [[Fighting Network Rings|RINGS]] and [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]], though without appreciable success, notably a 56-second submission loss to [[Randy Couture]] at 
[[UFC 13|UFC XIII]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m9sDAAAAMBAJ&q=tony+halme&pg=PT108|title=UFC Fighter Elected to Finnish Parliament|first=Keith|last=Vargo|work=[[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt]]|date=July 2003|access-date=11 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.mmafighting.com/2010/01/10/tony-halme-randy-coutures-first-mma-opponent-dead-at-47|title=Tony Halme, Randy Couture's First MMA Opponent, Dead at 47|last=Chiappetta |first= Mike|date= 2010-01-10|website= mmafighting.com|access-date=13 February 2023 |quote=Tony Halme, best remembered in the MMA world as the first opponent of Randy Couture in the UFC, has died at 47, according to The Associated Press.[...] In May 1997, after fighting a few times in the Japan-based RINGS organization, Halme fought Couture at UFC 13. Couture won by rear naked choke in only 56 seconds. Halme never again competed in MMA.}}</ref>

==Political career==
Early 2000s Tony Halme met [[Veikko Vallin]] who got the idea that Halme should run for Finnish parliament. Vallin became Halme's campaign manager and edited a book called Viikingin voimaopas, which was used to finance the election campaign. Halme became a member of the [[Finns Party]] and entered parliament in the [[2003 Finnish parliamentary election|2003 parliamentary elections]] and during his parliamentary career, Halme raised controversies. The day after the elections, Halme referred to [[President of Finland|President]] [[Tarja Halonen]] as a lesbian in a radio interview. Halme stated that if a lesbian can be president of Finland and he can be a member of Parliament, anything seems possible. A huge uproar ensued as much of the Finnish media treated the statement as a personal attack on Halonen; Halonen herself made no comment. Halme later apologized, stating that he was sorry that the statement had been interpreted as an insult and that he had been under the genuine impression that Halonen was a lesbian.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ranneliike.net/artikkelit.php?alue=tapaushalme&juttu=erikoise&#93; |title=Ranneliike.net - Homokansan yhdistävä tekijä |access-date=December 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050508185131/http://ranneliike.net/artikkelit.php?alue=tapaushalme |archive-date=May 8, 2005 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Halme opted not to run for re-election in [[2007 Finnish parliamentary election|2007]] due to health issues.

Halme was also elected to the [[City Council of Helsinki]] in the [[2004 Finnish municipal elections|2004 municipal elections]], but announced he would not participate in the council's activities. His term officially ended in 2008.

==Personal life==
Halme began his [[Conscription in Finland|compulsory military service]] on October 1983, at the military base of {{ill|Pioneeripuisto|fi}} in [[Koria]], Finland. Halme received several travel bans because he did not return from vacation on time and was also guilty of assault and battery.

Halme had a ''[[Schutzstaffel]]'' tattoo on his calf.<ref name="sstat">{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/jim-ross-breast-implants-ludvig-borga-nazi-tattoo|title=Jim Ross Discusses If He Ever Encouraged Female Talent in WWE To Get Breast Implants, Talks Ludvig Borga's Nazi Tattoo|work=411Mania.com|date=January 24, 2020}}</ref> Borga was made to put tape over the tattoo when he wrestled in the WWF.

In 1993, Halme divorced his American wife, Adriana Estrada, whom he had met in the U.S. in 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihdeuutiset/a/043f7cd9-df1d-47ee-8df2-e2ae0646e693 |title=Uutuuskirja: Tony Halmeen amerikkalainen ex-vaimo puhuu nyt suunsa puhtaaksi karusta liitosta: "Rakastin, samaan aikaan vihasin" |last=Hopi |first=Anna |date=October 28, 2024 |website=[[Iltalehti]] |language=fi |access-date=December 9, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107153605/https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihdeuutiset/a/043f7cd9-df1d-47ee-8df2-e2ae0646e693 |archive-date=November 7, 2024}}</ref> With the help of the marriage, Halme got a [[green card]] for the United States. From 1998 to 2005, he was married to Katja Talus.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000086062.html |title=Tony ja Katja Halme eroavat |date=10 June 2005 |website=[[Ilta-Sanomat]] |language=fi |access-date=15 December 2024}}</ref> 

During his years in the U.S., Halme was convicted of firearm offenses in the 1990s, and in February 1999, he was in the [[San Pedro, Los Angeles|San Pedro]] detention center, Los Angeles, for two weeks before he was deported from the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/politiikka/a/d6ba3dd8-f615-4359-8e8b-68a32cdf5f89 |title=Uutuuskirjan karut paljastukset Tony Halmeesta: Rikoksia sekä Yhdysvalloissa että Suomessa |last=Koskinen |first=Mika |date=October 28, 2024 |website=[[Iltalehti]] |language=fi |access-date=December 9, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209093334/https://www.iltalehti.fi/politiikka/a/d6ba3dd8-f615-4359-8e8b-68a32cdf5f89 |archive-date=December 9, 2024}}</ref>

On July 4, 2003, a handgun was fired inside Halme's apartment.<ref name="mtvfi">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/artikkeli/tony-halme-epailtyna-ampumatapauksessa/1985834|title=Tony Halme epäiltynä ampumatapauksessa|work=mtv.fi|language=fi|date=4 July 2003|access-date=11 August 2016}}</ref> No one was injured, but the gun was unlicensed. Halme was subsequently hospitalized, as he had only days before been in a boxing match and was using prescription painkillers, but his blood had additionally contained trace amounts of [[amphetamine]]s, while a police search of his House of Parliament office turned up illegal steroids. Halme claimed that somebody had put the amphetamines into his drink without his knowledge. In January 2004, his trial was broadcast live on television by the [[MTV3]] [[digital television]] channel. Halme received a four-month suspended sentence and a fine,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.hs.fi/english/archive/news.asp?id=20040130IE3|title=HS Home 30.1.2004 - Four-month suspended sentence for MP Tony Halme|website=Hs.fi|access-date=2016-02-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303172405/http://www2.hs.fi/english/archive/news.asp?id=20040130IE3|archive-date=March 3, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> but continued to serve as Member of Parliament. In 2006, he was convicted for [[Driving under the influence|driving while impaired]].

In early March 2006, Halme was involuntarily committed to a mental hospital, reportedly due to [[delirium]] caused by excessive alcohol use. Earlier in 2006 he had been diagnosed with alcohol-related [[cirrhosis]] and [[acute pancreatitis]]. After spending almost the entire year of 2006 on sick leave, he went on disability pension at end of the Parliamentary term.

In December 2009, Halme told a newspaper that he was suffering from impairment of his short-term memory and had trouble remembering anything, but was still trying to write a book on his political career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iltasanomat.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/uutinen.asp?id=1863437|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803144832/http://www.iltasanomat.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/uutinen.asp?id=1863437|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 3, 2012|title=Tony Halmeen kuolema: Halme oli kirjoittamassa kirjaa -|work=Ilta-Sanomat|language=fi|date=January 10, 2010}}</ref>

==Death==
On January 8, 2010, two days after his 47th birthday, Halme died from a [[Suicide|self-inflicted gunshot wound]], from an unlicensed handgun. His body was found two days later at his home in Helsinki, [[Herttoniemi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/artikkeli/Tony+Halme+kuolleena+kaksi+p%C3%A4iv%C3%A4%C3%A4+ennen+l%C3%B6ytymist%C3%A4%C3%A4n/1135252277674|title=Päivän lehti - Helsingin Sanomat|website=Hs.fi|language=fi|access-date=2016-02-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426234145/http://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/artikkeli/Tony+Halme+kuolleena+kaksi+p%C3%A4iv%C3%A4%C3%A4+ennen+l%C3%B6ytymist%C3%A4%C3%A4n/1135252277674|archive-date=April 26, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
|1990|| ''[[Lionheart (1990 film)|Lionheart]]'' || Security guard ||
|-
|1991|| ''The Master Demon'' || Viktor ||
|-
|1994|| ''Death Match'' || Han's #1 Bodyguard ||
|-
|1995|| ''Zhong Guo long'' || ||
|-
|1995|| ''[[Fist of the North Star (1995 film)|Fist of the North Star]]'' || Kemp ||
|-
|1995|| ''[[Die Hard with a Vengeance]]'' || Roman ||
|-
|1996|| ''American Tigers'' || Dettman ||
|-
|1998|| ''Whatever It Takes'' || Opponent ||
|-
|2001|| ''[[Ponterosa]]'' || Mauri ||
|-
|2003|| ''[[Kohtalon kirja]]'' || the Commander || (final film role)
|}

==Other media==
Halme authored five books and recorded one album called ''[[Mestarit salilla]]''. Halme had a modest film career starring in Finnish movies ''[[Ponterosa]]'' and ''[[Kohtalon kirja]]'', and in 1995 had small roles overseas in ''[[Die Hard with a Vengeance]]'' and ''[[Fist of the North Star (1995 film)|Fist of the North Star]]''. Halme was also cast in a [[supporting actor|minor role]] in the 1997 [[blockbuster (entertainment)|blockbuster]] film ''[[Titanic (1997 film)|Titanic]]'' but had to withdraw due to a filming delay.<ref>{{cite web|author=Rita Tainola, IS |url=http://www.iltasanomat.fi/elokuvat/nayttelija-paljastaa-tony-halmeella-oli-rooli-titanicissa/art-1288461167804.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803190937/http://www.iltasanomat.fi/elokuvat/nayttelija-paljastaa-tony-halmeella-oli-rooli-titanicissa/art-1288461167804.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 3, 2012 |title=Näyttelijä paljastaa: Tony Halmeella oli rooli Titanicissa - Elokuvat - Ilta-Sanomat |website=Iltasanomat.fi |date=2012-10-04 |access-date=2016-02-04}}</ref>

In 1993, Halme's professional wrestling persona was part of the Japanese wrestling video game ''Shin Nippon Pro Wrestling: Chou Senshi in Tokyo Dome'' for [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.giantbomb.com/shin-nippon-pro-wrestling-chou-senshi-in-tokyo-dom/3030-46954/ | title=Shin Nippon Pro Wrestling: Chou Senshi in Tokyo Dome | access-date=2016-01-17 | work=[[Giant Bomb]]}}</ref>

In 2022, a Finnish documentary film ''{{ill|Viikinki (dokumenttielokuva)|fi}}'' explored Tony Halme's entire life.

Halme was featured on [[Vice Media]]'s ''[[Dark Side of the Ring]]'' season 6 broadcast in April 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-14 |title=Vice Will Run Dark Side of the Ring Marathon Before Season Premiere |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/vice-dark-side-of-the-ring-marathon/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=411 Mania|language=en-US}}</ref>

*'''Books'''
**''Jumala armahtaa, minä en'' (1998) (Title translation: God Has Mercy, I Don't)
**''Tuomiopäivä'' (2001) (Title translation: The Judgment Day)
**''Viikingin voimaopas'' (2003) (Title translation: The Viking's strength guide)
**''Kovan päivän ilta'' (2003) (Title translation: A Hard Day's Night)
**''Testamentti'' (2010, [[wikt:posthumous|posthumous]]ly) (Title translation: The Testament)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/artikkeli/MTV3+Tony+Halmeelta+j%C3%A4i+keskener%C3%A4inen+kirja+nimelt%C3%A4%C3%A4n+Testamentti/1135252053835 |title=Päivän lehti - Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi |website=Hs.fi |access-date=2016-02-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020183646/http://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/artikkeli/MTV3+Tony+Halmeelta+j%C3%A4i+keskener%C3%A4inen+kirja+nimelt%C3%A4%C3%A4n+Testamentti/1135252053835 |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
**''Tony Halme. Uho, tuho ja perintö'' (2024) (Title translation: Tony Halme. Bluster, destruction and legacy) 
*'''Albums'''
**''[[Mestarit salilla]]'' (Title translation: The champions at the gym) (2001)
*'''Singles'''
**"I Am Ironman" (1998)
**"Viikinki" (Title translation: "The Viking") (1999)
**"Mä oon tällainen" (Title translation: "I am like this") (2000)
**"Painu pelle hiiteen" (Title translation: "Sod off, clown") (2001)
**"Isätön poika" (Title translation: "The fatherless son") (2002)

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Catch Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[CWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[CWA World Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="cwatitle"/>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Scott Norton]]<ref name="iwgptagtitles"/>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**PWI ranked him #'''145''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 1993<ref name="acceleratorbio"/>

==Professional boxing record==
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|ko-wins=10
|ko-losses=5
|dec-wins=3
|dq-losses=1
}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–6
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|KEN}} Chris Sirengo
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}
|6
|29 Nov 2002
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|[[Töölö Sports Hall]], Helsinki, Finland}}
|
|-
|18
|{{no2}}Loss
|12–6
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Garing Lane
|RTD
|4 (6), {{small|3:00}}
|13 Oct 2001
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|DEN}} {{small|[[Parken Stadium]], [[Copenhagen]], Denmark}}
|
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–5
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|RUS}} Almaz Gismejev
|{{abbr|RTD|Corner retirement}}
|3 (8), {{small|2:00}}
|20 Feb 2001
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland}}
|
|-
|16
|{{no2}}Loss
|11–5
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FRA}} Yacine Kingbo
|KO
|2 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|3 Oct 2000
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland}}
|
|-
|15
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–4
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} Mika Kihlström
|KO
|4 (10), {{small|1:18}}
|17 Apr 2000
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won Finnish heavyweight title}}
|-
|14
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–4
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|HUN}} Ferenc Deák
|KO
|1, {{small|2:59}}
|22 Nov 1999
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland}}
|
|-
|13
|{{no2}}Loss
|9–4
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|MEX}} Agustin Corpus
|KO
|3, {{small|1:38}}
|6 Sep 1999
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland}}
|
|-
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–3
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Iran Barkley]]
|{{abbr|SD|Split decision}}
|12
|19 Apr 1999
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[World Boxing Federation|WBF (Federation)]] Americas heavyweight title}}
|-
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–3
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Ken Woods
|KO
|2, {{small|1:07}}
|16 Nov 1998
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland}}
|
|-
|10
|{{no2}}Loss
|7–3
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} Mika Kihlström
|TKO
|5 (10), {{small|1:57}}
|14 Sep 1998
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost Finnish heavyweight title}}
|-
|9
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–2
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Terry Armstrong
|KO
|1, {{small|1:37}}
|16 Mar 1998
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland}}
|
|-
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–2
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{ill|Jukka Järvinen|fi}}
|KO
|1 (10), {{small|2:22}}
|29 Sep 1997
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won Finnish heavyweight title}}
|-
|7
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–2
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Paul Genick
|KO
|1, {{small|0:17}}
|6 Sep 1997
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Tropworld Casino and Entertainment Resort]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], US}}
|
|-
|6
|{{no2}}Loss
|4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{ill|Jukka Järvinen|fi}}
|{{abbr|DQ|Disqualification}}
|3 (10), {{small|2:54}}
|9 Sep 1996
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|[[Helsinki Ice Hall|Ice Hall]], Helsinki, Finland}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant Finnish [[heavyweight]] title;<br>Halme disqualified for repeated headbutts}}
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–1
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Robert Swenson]]
|KO
|1, {{small|2:28}}
|26 May 1996
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|Urheilutalo, Helsinki, Finland}}
|
|-
|4
|{{no2}}Loss
|3–1
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Patrick Freeman
|KO
|4 (4), {{small|2:55}}
|27 Apr 1996
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[The Aladdin]], Paradise, Nevada, US}}
|
|-
|3
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Tony Messenger
|{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}}
|1, {{small|1:27}}
|4 Mar 1996
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|FIN}} {{small|[[Helsinki]], Finland}}
|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Archie Perry
|{{abbr|PTS|Points decision}}
|5
|26 Jun 1995
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Great Western Forum]], [[Inglewood, California]], US}}
|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Bradford Powell
|{{abbr|KO|Knockout}}
|1 (4), {{small|0:55}}
|10 Jun 1995
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|[[Caesars Palace]], [[Paradise, Nevada]], US}}
|
|}

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
|ko-wins=1
|ko-losses=2
|sub-wins=0
|sub-losses=1
|dec-wins=0
|dec-losses=1
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
|nc=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{No2}}Loss
| align=center| 1–4
| [[Randy Couture]]
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[UFC 13|UFC 13: Ultimate Force]]
| {{dts|1997|May|30}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:56
| [[Augusta, Georgia|Augusta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia, USA]]
| 
|-
| {{No2}}Loss
| align=center| 1–3
| [[Dick Vrij]]
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| [[1997 in Fighting Network Rings#Rings - Extension Fighting 2|Rings - Extension Fighting 2]]
| {{dts|1997|April|22}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:42
| [[Japan]]
| 
|-
| {{No2}}Loss
| align=center| 1–2
| [[Mitsuya Nagai]]
| Submission
| [[1996 in Fighting Network Rings#Rings - Budokan Hall 1996|Rings - Budokan Hall 1996]]
| {{dts|1996|January|24}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 8:58
| [[Tokyo, Japan]]
| 
|-
| {{No2}}Loss
| align=center| 1–1
| [[Dick Vrij]]
| KO
| [[1995 in Fighting Network Rings#Rings: Budokan Hall 1995|Rings - Budokan Hall 1995]]
| {{dts|1995|January|25}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:55
| [[Tokyo, Japan]]
| 
|-
| {{Yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| [[Tariel Bitsadze]]
| KO
| Rings: Battle Dimensions Tournament 1994<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mixedmartialarts.com/fighter/Tony-Halme:65D1AE66D5C7B790|title=Tony Halme : Official MMA Fight Record (1-4-0)|website=The Underground}}</ref>
| {{dts|1994|October|23}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| N/A
| [[Tokyo, Japan]]
| 
{{end}}

==See also==
* [[List of premature professional wrestling deaths]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
*{{IMDb name|0356844}}
*{{Sherdog}}
*{{boxrec|id=7863}}
*{{UFC|tony-halme}}
{{CWA World Heavyweight Championship}}
{{IWGP Tag Team Championship}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Halme, Tony}}
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