Mark Bland

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Mark Bland (born April 2nd, 1976 in Florissant, MO) is an American professional wrestler. Mark began his wrestling training in the mid 90’s and eventually debuted for the MMWA-SICW (or South Broadway Wrestling) in 1997. Mark is the only known person in St. Louis wrestling history to debut as a Heavyweight Tag Team Champion (for the MMWA-SICW). He eventually retired from pro-wrestling in 2003 due to a knee injury and neck injury he sustained from training and wrestling.

Mark also was a television show host for St. Louis’ own Warner Brothers affiliate. He debuted in 1997 as a host for a locally syndicated TV show called “Video Jukebox/Mega Music”. In 2002 , Mark was hired to become the new face of a St. Louis based music video show called Audaphobia. Mark is currently the US Director for Nordic Talent based in Stockholm, Sweden and works as the PR Director for a division of Warner Brothers Music named Untouchable Records. He handles the US management of 1990's music group the Rednex, who sang their way on the Billboard Charts with the song "Cotton Eye Joe". He is married (Angela) and has no kids.

In March of 2006, Mark became a judge on the St. Louis television show called "Junior Stars". It's a singing competition judged in the same manor as American Idol .

In fall of 2006, it has been stated that Mark Bland is in talks with major music groups to get his own label imprint for his artists that he handles in the U.S., as well as overseas.

[edit] Trivia

• Mark was involved in the development of WWE Wrestler Randy Orton. Orton and Bland began training together in 1999 at the above mentioned MMWA-SICW. This training started during Orton's time in the US Marines.

• Mark was trained in pro-wrestling by John Blackheart, Gary Jackson, Ron Powers and Keith Smith (MMWA-SICW).

• Was an agent in charge of handling some public relations projects for Derrty ENT's first artist Murphy Lee. Murphy Lee is one of (Nelly 's artist on the label and one of the St. Lunatics). Mark handled this account in 2003 for the Universal Records release of "Murphy's Law".

• Mark handles the current U.S. management or artist development of: The Rednex (Warner Bros. Sweden), Raw Resse (Rap-A-Lot/Warner Music Group), Ana Johnsson (Sony BMG), Bi-Level (unsigned), Todd Sansom (unsigned)

Mark Bland with Russell Simmons

Mark Bland with hip hop star Nelly