Mike Bell

Michael Bell (March 18, 1971 – December 14, 2008) was an American professional wrestler who worked for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and the original Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) as Mike "Mad Dog" Bell. He was the brother of Mark Bell and Chris Bell director of the 2008 documentary, Bigger, Stronger, Faster, and the 2015 follow up documentary, Prescription Thugs, in which Mike Bell's life and death by prescription drugs are explored. Early life Michael Bell was born on March 18, 1971, in Poughkeepsie, New York. He struggled with weight issues as a child and was called "Pugsley" whenever he entered his school bus, which inspired him to begin weight lifting and playing football. Bell got his nickname “Mad Dog” by beating up the bullies that teased him during school. Eventually, Bell became captain of his high school football team, and enrolled at the University of Cincinnati on a football scholarship. Bell played Division I football until a knee injury ended his aspirations. In college, when Bell thought he was no longer his football team's biggest and strongest player, he switched to wrestling as he grew up watching the sport. He and his brothers would often imitate the moves they saw on television. He was trained by David Schultz and Paul Roma. Professional wrestling career