Michael Smith

Michael Maurice Smith (born October 11, 1963) is an American semi-retired professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Sam Houston. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation from 1987 to 1991. Houston's father Grizzly Smith was also a professional wrestler, as was his half-brother Jake Roberts and his sister Rockin' Robin. Professional wrestling career Early career (1983–1985) Houston started wrestling in 1983, initially competing in Championship Wrestling from Florida. After claiming victories over a few opponents with his finisher bulldog in early 1984, babyface rookie Houston had been chosen to be NWA's Prince Charming by his handsome look among wrestling fans especially women, but was publicly criticized by male TV commentators to be rather America's Next Top Model than wrestler due to his slim body. Houston 's big challenge was when he had to team up with Bubba Douglas in Feb.4 against The Assassins. Houston's signature moves such as beautiful and swift dropkick and arm drag worked so well that Houston seemed a little overconfident and led him got slammed gently one time by Assassin No.2. Nevertheless, Houston could escape from being pinned and delivered unexpected sudden flying cross body towards Assassin No.1, even unable to pin his rival, but still got applause and cheers from his fans. Match's turning point was when Assassin No.2 failed elbrow drop to Bubba Douglas and caused reckless Houston rushed into the ring to use bulldog. Houston's stomach was attacked by Assassin No.2's topedo head and his face and jaw were severely punched by Assassin No.1 before Assassin No.2 did consecutively huge power slams to Houston twice before Assassin No.1 followed with high flying knee drop attacking heavily on Houston's soft chest and caused Houston extremely exhausted and experienced difficulty breathing and finally got pinned easily. Houston was shocked by his first loss and admitted that he really could not withstand The Assassins' powerful strikes from both Assassin No.1 & No.2 at the same time. After that match, his other opponents including Buddy Landel, Ric Flair, Tully Blandchard, Dick Slater, Wahoo Mcdaniel and Billy Graham attempted to target Houston's weak chest by elbow drop or karate chop before using their finishers to beat helpless and powerless Sam Houston.