Rick Boogs

Real Name: Eric Bugenhagen
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 234 lbs.
Date of Birth: October 19, 1987
Hometown: Franklin, Wisconsin
Pro Debut: October 19, 2017
Trained By: Matt Bloom and the WWE Performance Center
Finishing Move: Air Guitar

Biography

– Bugenhagen was an NCAA level wrestler during his time at the University of Wisconsin
– Bugenhagen signed with WWE in 2017, having spent the previous few years working as a wrestling coach at UW-Madison
– Bugenhagen debuted under his real name at an NXT Live Event on his 30th birthday, losing to Lars Sullivan
– In February 2019, Bugenhagen made his NXT televised debut, losing to Drew Gulak
– In January 2020, the now-renamed Rik Bugez worked two EVOLVE events, losing to Joe Gacy before defeating Anthony Greene
– In the run-up to WrestleMania 37, Bugenhagen portrayed the Old Spice-inspired Joseph Average character to win the WWE 24/7 Title twice, albeit with very short reigns
– In May 2021, the again-renamed Rick Boogs made his official main roster debut, playing Shinsuke Nakamura to the ring on his electric guitar
– On August 20, Boogs (in his first main roster match) teamed with Nakamura to defeat Apollo Crews & Commander Azeez
– At WrestleMania 38, Nakamura and Boogs were defeated by The Usos (Jimmy & Jey). Boogs suffered a torn quadriceps and patellar tendon during the match, ruling him out of action for over six months
– Boogs made his in-ring return on the January 30, 2023 Raw, defeating The Miz
– Boogs was released by WWE in September 2023 and confirmed his intention to leave the wrestling business the following January