Kenneth Anderson, or as we all know him as Mr. Kennedy, was an athlete in high school excelling in swimming and track and field. He also announced school basketball games and did a radio assignment in his Mass Media class, of course this element was eventually used again in his wrestling character when encouraged by Paul Heyman. Before wrestling Mr. Kennedy worked as a security guard, a personal trainer and was in the United States Army. He was trained by All-Star Championship Wrestling owners Eric Hammers and Mike Krause. He was invited to work on a try out basis as a jobber on WWE Jakked, WWE Velocity and WWE Sunday Night Heat, he did this from 2001 to 2004. He was then approached for a contract by TNA but it never happened.Finally in February of 2005 Mr, Kennedy signed a developmental contract with WWE. He was sent to OVW for six months, then in his WWE Smackdown debut on August 25, 2005 he was victorious over Funaki. His character was an arrogant and cocky guy who would take the microphone and introduce himself, this would become Kennedy's trademark. He even started a little feud with Smackdown ring announcer Tony Chimel because he didn't believe Chimel's announcements were good enough and lacked respect. Mr. Kennedy feuded with Funaki and then Hardcore Holly but would suffer his first loss at the hands of Eddie Guerrero on November 11, 2005. This was Eddie Guerrero's final televised match before his death. In interviews about the incident, Kennedy has stated that he considers this an "unfortunate honor". Matt Hardy rolled up. Kennedy for the victory on the July 14 edition of Smackdown, ending Mr. Kennedy's streak of never being defeated by pin or submission.Mr. Kennedy would become one of the WWE's brightest stars feuding with Batista, Scotty 2 Hottie to just name a few.
He got his first taste of the gold win he won the United States Championship in a triple threat match against Bobby Lashley and Finlay, he would later lose the title to Chris Benoit after tapping out of the crippler crossface.
In late 2006 Mr. Kennedy was part of a long feud against the brothers of destruction Kane and the Undertaker, Mr. Kennedy would team up with MVP against these two. At Wrestlemania 23 Mr. Kennedy won the 'Money in the bank' match which gave him the right to challenge any WWE title holder at any time at any place for their championship up until Wrestlemania 24. Kennedy later said that he would be cashing in at Wrestlemania 24 but he never got the chance as he lost his 'Money in the bank' briefcase when Edge challenged him for it in a match on May 7, 2007 and beat him. Kennedy never got a chance to try and get it back as Edge cashed in the next week on Smackdown to win the World Heavyweight Championship from the Undertaker.
On June 11, 2007 Mr. Kennedy was drafted from Smackdown to the Raw brand. He would feud with Carlto, Umaga and Bobby Lashley, John Cena and Jeff Hardy during his time on Raw. Another feud he had at Raw was with Shawn Michaels when Kennedy had stated that it was time for Shawn Michaels to move on and let the younger, talented superstars climb their way up the ladder. This led to many matches between the two and Mr. Kennedy introduced WWE fans to his new signature move called the Mic Check. On April 28, 2008 Kennedy started feuding with Raw GM William Regal. This led to a 'Loser Gets Fired Match' in which Kennedy won and opened up the Raw GM spot. This feud with William Regal turned Mr. Kennedy into a face.
During the 2008 WWE draft Mr. Kennedy was drafted back to Smackdown. On the July 25, 2008 edition of Smackdown Mr. Kennedy fought in a 6 man battle royal with the winner getting the right to face Triple H at Summerslam for the WWE title, Mr. Kennedy did not win though. The following week on Smackdown he would win a non-title match against United States Champion Shelton Benjamin.
On August 4, 2008 Mr. Kennedy dislocated a shoulder in a house show against Shelton Benjamin and had to have surgery done.
Kennedy made his return to the WWE on the November 24, 2008 episode of Raw, promoting his movie Behind Enemy Lines III: Colombia. He would also make appearances on Smackdown. He then disappeared again as he was not yet clear to wrestle from his injury. His appearances on Raw and Smackdown during this time were to basically promote his movie. Reports have it that he won't make his return until sometime after Wrestlemania.
On April 15, 2009, Mr. Kennedy returned to the Raw brand as Raw's first pick of the 2009 Supplemental Draft.
On May 7, 2009 Kennedy returned to in-ring action at Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE's developmental territory, to gain match fitness before returning to Raw. On the May 11, 2009 episode of Raw, WWE aired a video package to promote Kennedy's return. He made his official Raw return on May 25, competing in a 10-man tag team match. which his team won.
Kennedy was released from his WWE contract on May 29, 2009 just four days after his return.
Mr. Kennedy Facts:
Birth Name: Kenneth Anderson
Birth Date: March 6, 1976
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 243 lbs