David Schultz

Battery on John Stossel Schultz engaged in a 1984 incident with reporter John Stossel (pictured here in 2018) that severely damaged Schultz' career in the United States. Schultz had a notorious encounter on December 28, 1984, with 20/20 reporter John Stossel while Stossel was backstage at MSG doing a story about professional wrestling's secrets. The attack, which attracted a large amount of media coverage, was later aired on national television including ABC News which reported that the network had received more than 1,000 calls from viewers inquiring about Stossel's health. (Stossel: I think this is fake.) Schultz: You think it's fake, hmm? (slaps Stossel) What's that; is that fake? Huh? What the hell is wrong with you? That's open hand slap, huh [sic]. You think it's fake; (slaps Stossel for a second time) you talking about 'this is fake'? Huh? What you mean?Marvin Kohn, a deputy commissioner at the NYSAC, had been present at the arena during the incident and immediately suspended Schultz for his actions. Stossel later claimed he was unaware of Schultz's apology and would pursue his action in court although commented he would be "less likely to sue" if the after-effects of his injury disappeared.

Although Schultz has consistently maintained that WWF officials told him to hit Stossel (specifically, he insists that Vince McMahon himself said, "Blast him (Stossel), tear his ass up, stay in character -- 'Doctor D'..."), Schultz ultimately was fired. Many industry insiders believe that it was not because of his actions against Stossel, but rather because of the alleged, but never proven, claim that he challenged Mr. T to a fight backstage at a WWF event at MSG.

Late career (1985–1989) After leaving the WWF at the end of February 1985, Schultz immediately embarked on another tour of Japan with New Japan Pro-Wrestling as part of its "Big Fight" series. His opponents during the tour included Antonio Inoki, Kantaro Hoshino, and Kengo Kimura. After returning from Japan, he divided his time between the CWA and the Northeastern United States–based International World Class Championship Wrestling for the remainder of the year.

In 1992, Schultz was accused by the WWF of conspiring with former WWF referee Rita Chatterton to extort $5 million from the company. Vince and Linda McMahon filed a lawsuit against journalist and TV personality Geraldo Rivera after Chatterton aired a rape allegation against Vince McMahon during Rivera's programs. The lawsuit was abandoned after McMahon was indicted for allegedly illegally distributing anabolic steroids.

Schultz briefly reappeared in the spotlight in the early 1990s when he testified at McMahon's trial.

During the early 2000s, Schultz was under consideration for induction into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in November 2003, and the following month, attended the Fan Slam Convention in Totowa, New Jersey on December 6, 2003 where he talked about his history with Hulk Hogan. During the event, he participated in a Q&A panel which included Ted DiBiase, Virgil, Gary Michael Cappetta, Chief Jay Strongbow and The Missing Link.

In October 2006, Schultz was honored along with J. J. Dillon and Missy Hyatt at a dinner banquet hosted by the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and attended by former WWF wrestlers from the 1970s and 80s. During the event, he participated on a Q&A panel discussing the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and taking questions from audience members as well as conducted a "shoot interview" with RF Video. As part of their agreement, RF Video donated $500 in his name to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Building Fund and later presenting a check to Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame President Tony Vellano.

Schultz released his book, Don't Call Me Fake, on January 23, 2018.

On April 28, 2020, Dark Side of the Ring aired a second season episode that focuses on Schultz's wrestling career, his on-air assault of John Stossel—which effectively ended his time in the industry—and his subsequent transition into a career as a bounty hunter.

Championships and accomplishments

Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling AGPW United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time) Cauliflower Alley Club Men's Wrestling Award (2019) Eastern Sports Association NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship (Halifax version) (2 times) Lutte Internationale Canadian International Heavyweight Championship (1 time) NWA Mid-America NWA Mid-America Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Bill Ash NWA Six-Man Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Great Togo and Tojo Yamamoto NWA Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Dennis Condrey NWA World Brass Knuckles Championship (1 time) Southeastern Championship Wrestling NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division) (1 time) NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Southern Division) (1 time) NWA Southeastern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Dennis Condrey Northeast Championship Wrestling NCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time) Pro Wrestling Illustrated Ranked No. 253 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003 Stampede Wrestling Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship (3 times) Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 1995) Universal Wrestling Alliance UWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)