Mad Man
Canady began his professional wrestling career in 1989 at the age of 20. Initially performing as a traditional professional wrestler, Canady realized that he would not become a nationally recognized talent. He noticed that his friends were in awe while watching wrestling tapes of death matches, and soon adopted the same hardcore style himself. He created his ring name Mad Man Pondo as a play on Abdullah the Butcher's nickname the "Mad Man from Sudan" and the character Pondo Sinatra from "The Party Animal". He and fellow wrestlers Corporal Robinson and 2 Tuff Tony began traveling throughout the country together early in their careers. Video distribution company Smart Mark Video helped the trio gain national exposure.