Peter John Ramos Fuentes (born May 23, 1985), nicknamed as Mr. Beast, is a Puerto Rican former professional basketball player and professional wrestler. He is the sixth athlete from Puerto Rico to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the third drafted, gathering success in the NBA Development League (NBDL), where he was an All Star during the 2006–07 season. Ramos has also played in Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He was a member of the Puerto Rico national basketball team from 2004 to 2016, making his Olympic debut in the game where Puerto Rico defeated the United States at Athens.
.jpg) Ramos in 2017 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 23, 1985 Fajardo, Puerto Rico |
| Nationality | Puerto Rican |
| Listed height | 7 ft 3.5 in (2.22 m) |
| Listed weight | 296 lb (134 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Colegio Bautista de Caguas (Caguas, Puerto Rico) |
| NBA draft | 2004: 2nd round, 32nd overall pick |
| Selected by the Washington Wizards | |
| Playing career | 2001–2020 |
| Position | Center |
| Career history | |
| 2001–2004 | Criollos de Caguas |
| 2004–2006 | Washington Wizards |
| 2005–2006 | →Roanoke Dazzle |
| 2006–2007 | Idaho Stampede |
| 2007 | Criollos de Caguas |
| 2007–2008 | Baloncesto Fuenlabrada |
| 2009–2012 | Piratas de Quebradillas |
| 2009–2010 | Zhejiang Lions |
| 2011 | Seoul Samsung Thunders |
| 2011–2013 | Zhejiang Lions |
| 2013 | Capitanes de Arecibo |
| 2013–2014 | Qingdao DoubleStar |
| 2014 | Brujos de Guayama |
| 2015 | Kia Carnival |
| 2015 | Brujos de Guayama |
| 2015 | Metros de Santiago |
| 2015–2016 | Jilin Northeast Tigers |
| 2016–2017 | Vaqueros de Bayamón |
| 2017–2018 | Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor |
| 2018 | Leones de Ponce |
| 2018–2019 | San Miguel Alab Pilipinas |
| 2019 | Wuhan Dangdai |
| 2019–2020 | Leones de Ponce |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
As a professional wrestler, Ramos began his career in the World Wrestling Council (WWC) in 2019.
Biography
editEarly life
editRamos' father abandoned their home when he was five years old. He would then travel to New York with his mother and siblings.[1] Early in his life, Ramos' unusual height made him victim to verbal harassment.[1] In 1999, when he was fourteen years old, already seven feet tall, Ramos was noticed by former basketball player Santiago Gotay in a clothing store.[1] When Gotay learned that Ramos was born in Puerto Rico he contacted Félix Rivera, owner of the Criollos de Caguas in the National Superior Basketball (BSN).[1]
Rivera decided to recruit Ramos and bring him to the BSN, and traveled to New York to offer him a contract, despite the fact he had not seen him play basketball.[1] Ramos met members of his family when he came to Caguas and he began studies at the Colegio Bautista. Under the guidance of coach Leonel Arril, Ramos began learning the techniques of the basketball game. Ramos continued getting taller, and by 2004 he was already 7'3". He led his high school to two National Championships. In the Puerto Rican Basketball League, Ramos developed quickly and in 2002, he won the Most Improved Player Award. In 2003, he earned a spot in the Puerto Rico national basketball team and participated in the Pan American Games.
National Basketball Association
editRamos participated in the 2004 season of the BSN, finishing with averages of 20.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.[1] In April Ramos announced he would enter the 2004 NBA draft, hinting that he would withdraw if not a top 15 selection. On draft night, he was picked as the 32nd selection in the draft's second round, by the Washington Wizards. Frustrated with himself, Ramos abandoned the ceremony once the first round concluded.[1]
During summer of 2004, Ramos participated with the Wizards during the NBA Summer Pro League, and was a member of the 2004 Puerto Rican National Basketball Team which defeated the United States in the 2004 Olympic Games.
During the 2004–05 NBA season Ramos played in six games scoring 11 points with 4 rebounds and 1 block. Ramos spent most of the year on the inactive/injured reserve list.
During the summer of 2005, Ramos participated with the Wizards during the NBA Summer Pro League for a second straight year.
At the start of the 2005–06 season Ramos was assigned to the Roanoke Dazzle of the NBA Development League. He was called up by the Wizards on January 19, 2006, and reassigned back to Roanoke on 21 January. Ramos finished the season in the NBA D-League second in blocks with 78.
In 2006 Ramos participated with the Wizards during the NBA Summer Pro League for a third straight year. And again represented Puerto Rico in the Basketball World Championship 2006. Ramos was waived by the Washington Wizards during 2006 Pre-Season Training Camp. On November 2, 2006, Ramos was drafted by the Idaho Stampede with the 9th pick of the first round of the 2006 NBA Development League draft. That season Ramos was selected as a participant for the NBDL All-Star Game, but did not participate in All Star game due to injury. On February 28, 2007, Ramos was waived by the Idaho Stampede due to injury. Ramos earned All-NBA Development League Honorable Mention for his 2006–07 performance.
Puerto Rico and Europe
editIn 2007 Ramos returned to the Criollos de Caguas of the National Superior Basketball after a two-year absence. He finished with an average of 17.5 points per game.[1]
In 2007, Ramos represented Puerto Rico as a member of the Puerto Rican National Basketball Team during the 2007 Pan American Games, winning the silver medal.
Ramos signed with Alta Gestión Fuenlabrada to play in the 2007–08 season of the Spanish Liga ACB league.[2] Ramos played the 2008 BSN season with averages of 17.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. He was selected as a starter in the 2008 BSN All-Star Game, where he was selected the game's most valuable player and scored twenty-two points and nine rebounds.[3] While Caguas participated in the BSN "Super-6" round, Ramos claimed that he had matured since traveling to Spain, which helped him in his game.[1] Ramos later played for the Piratas de Quebradillas, Capitanes de Arecibo and currently is playing with Los Brujos de Guayama in Puerto Rico.
In 2018, he returned to Puerto Rico,to play with the Leones de Ponce. He was selected as part the reserves of the All Star team for the league's all star game against the Puerto Rican National Team.
Asia
editIn 2011, Ramos signed with the Seoul Samsung Thunders in South Korea. On November 7, 2011, he was released from Seoul Samsung Thunders after averaging 18.1 pts. and 9.9 reb. In December 2014, Ramos signed with the Kia Carnival at the Philippine Basketball Association and will play as an import for the team at the 2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup.[4] Ramos was chosen by Kia head coach Manny Pacquiao for his shot blocking skills.[5] Kia is banking on Ramos to turn its fortunes around after finishing its maiden PBA conference with a woeful 1–10 win–loss record.
In 2017, the 25th of February, Ramos signed with one of the best Clubs in Asia Club Sagesse from Lebanon.
In 2018, he joined Alab Pilipinas with fellow Puerto Rican, Renaldo Balkman. With Ramos and Balkman, the Philippine squad managed to dominate the league but fell short in two games against the Eastern Sports Club (basketball) of Hong Kong in the playoffs.
Career stats
edit- Ramos's NBA stats in 6 games are 11 points with a 1.8 PPG, 4 rebounds with a 0.7 RPG, 1 block with a 0.2 BPG, a .500 field goal and .500 free throw percentage.
- His NBA Development League stats in 76 games with 73 starts, 1,075 points with a 14.1 PPG, 80 assists with a 1.1 APG, 541 rebounds with a 7.1 RPG, 123 blocks with a 1.6 BPG, 23 steals with a 0.3 SPG, .574 field goal percentage and .606 free-throw percentage.
Domestic leagues
edit| Season | Team | League | GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Criollos de Caguas | Puerto Rico BSN | 4 | ? | .000 | -- | .000 | .5 | .3 | ? | ? | .0 |
| 2002 | 23 | ? | .410 | -- | .400 | 2.6 | .3 | ? | ? | 2.4 | ||
| 2003 | 30 | ? | .530 | -- | .600 | 8.6 | 1.0 | ? | ? | 12.3 | ||
| 2004 | 29 | ? | .510 | .000 | .580 | 9.4 | 2.8 | ? | ? | 20.1 | ||
| 2005–06 | Roanoke Dazzle | D-League | 44 | 29.3 | .594 | .000 | .603 | 7.7 | 1.0 | .3 | 1.9 | 14.9 |
| 2006–07 | Idaho Stampede | 33 | 27.2 | .554 | -- | .617 | 6.3 | 1.2 | .2 | 1.4 | 13.2 | |
| 2007 | Criollos de Caguas | Puerto Rico BSN | 30 | ? | .550 | .000 | .570 | 11.2 | 1.7 | ? | ? | 16.2 |
| 2007–08 | Alta Gestión Fuenlabrada | Liga ACB | 20 | 14.8 | .557 | .000 | .739 | 4.2 | .1 | .4 | 1.1 | 6.3 |
| 2008 | Criollos de Caguas | Puerto Rico BSN | 32 | ? | .570 | .333 | .710 | 9.8 | 1.7 | ? | ? | 17.6 |
| 2008–09 | Alta Gestión Fuenlabrada | Liga ACB | 26 | 15.0 | .612 | -- | .560 | 4.0 | .2 | .2 | .5 | 6.0 |
| 2009 | Piratas de Quebradillas | Puerto Rico BSN | 28 | ? | .660 | .250 | .530 | 10.9 | 1.4 | ? | ? | 16.5 |
| 2009–10 | Zhejiang Lions | China CBA | 38 | 30.7 | .682 | .000 | .677 | 13.0 | 1.5 | .3 | 1.1 | 17.5 |
| 2010 | Piratas de Quebradillas | Puerto Rico BSN | 16 | ? | .570 | .000 | .570 | 11.6 | 1.7 | ? | ? | 18.8 |
| 2010–11 | Zhejiang Lions | China CBA | 35 | 37.6 | .644 | .000 | .738 | 13.9 | 1.9 | .7 | 1.2 | 24.8 |
| 2011 | Piratas de Quebradillas | Puerto Rico BSN | 29 | ? | .550 | .220 | .700 | 10.8 | 2.2 | ? | ? | 23.3 |
| 2011–12 | Seoul Samsung Thunders | South Korea KBL | 15 | 36.7 | .614 | .000 | .611 | 9.8 | 3.2 | .4 | 1.2 | 21.5 |
| Zhejiang Lions | China CBA | 30 | 34.6 | .632 | .000 | .670 | 13.3 | 1.8 | .3 | .9 | 21.9 | |
| 2012 | Piratas de Quebradillas | Puerto Rico BSN | 40 | 30.4 | .599 | .250 | .652 | 8.8 | 1.6 | .3 | 1.2 | 17.1 |
| 2012–13 | Zhejiang Lions | China CBA | 35 | 34.0 | .655 | -- | .652 | 11.0 | 1.5 | .4 | .9 | 22.7 |
| 2013 | Capitanes de Arecibo | Puerto Rico BSN | 36 | 30.0 | .548 | .250 | .647 | 8.8 | 1.4 | .1 | .5 | 14.6 |
| 2013–14 | Qingdao DoubleStar | China CBA | 32 | 31.7 | .625 | .000 | .755 | 9.5 | 1.5 | .3 | .7 | 20.5 |
| 2014 | Brujos de Guayama | Puerto Rico BSN | 40 | 27.6 | .564 | .273 | .621 | 7.8 | 1.4 | .2 | 1.0 | 13.0 |
| Kia Carnival | Philippines PBA | 11 | 43.1 | .540 | .208 | .618 | 21.2 | 3.0 | .0 | 1.2 | 35.9 | |
| 2015 | Brujos de Guayama | Puerto Rico BSN | 38 | 35.6 | .609 | .250 | .640 | 11.8 | 1.6 | .1 | .9 | 22.7 |
| Metros de Santiago | Dominican LNB | 3 | 27.3 | .643 | -- | .727 | 10.7 | .3 | .0 | 3.0 | 20.7 | |
| 2014–15 | Jilin Northeast Tigers | China CBA | 34 | 27.4 | .584 | -- | .584 | 10.0 | .9 | .3 | .6 | 19.1 |
Career accomplishments
edit- He became the third ever Puerto Rican player to be drafted by an NBA team
- 2002 BSN Most Improved Player Award
- 2006–07 NBDL All-Star
- 2006–07 All-NBDL Honorable Mention
Professional wrestling career
edit| La Bestia / Mr. Beast | |
|---|---|
 The Dynasty. From left to right Eddie Colón, Gilbert and Peter John Ramos. | |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Debut | February 15, 2020 |
World Wrestling Council (2019–2020)
editIn 2016, Ramos expressed interest in making a crossover into professional wrestling following his retirement from basketball, noting he had already declined invitations to do so.[6] Others in his family were already involved in the business, his brother-in-law is an in-ring performer and his sister is a referee.[6] Two years later he reaffirmed this plan, believing that the retirement of several high-profile tall wrestlers created more opportunities to succeed.[7][8] On September 18, 2019, Ramos made his first backstage appearance for the World Wrestling Council, becoming involved in a segment with Puerto Rico Heavyweight Champion Pedro Portillo III.[9] This led to Ramos appearing as the guest referee of a retirement match between Ray González and Gilbert (storyline boss to Portillo) at Noche de Campeones. Prior to this, Carlos Colón Sr. noted that he was monitoring his progress.
Ramos was booked in a heel turn on González, afterward joining the villainous faction known as El Sindicato, which was disbanded at the end of the season.[10] Afterwards he became the enforcer of a nascent stable known as The Dynasty, joining Eddie Colón and Gilbert.[11] Ramos’ in ring debut took place on January 25, 2020, in a handicap match where he easily defeated two independent wrestlers.[12] The following week he scored another swift win over Jax, a third party performer for the regional Borinquén Sport Promotion (BSP). An extreme rules match against fellow multi-sport athlete Carlos Cotto was scheduled for February 15, 2019, but later postponed when Ramos refused to perform in “a small town” by citing contractual clauses.[13] This role actually helped his basketball career, since it allowed him to drop 30 pounds and begin the 2020 BSN season in shape.[14]
Beast Mode (2020–present)
editDuring the hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramos left WWC and joined Germán Figueroa to form a team known as Beast Mode, with Qatar Pro Wrestling as their first promotion abroad.[15] When the BSN resumed the 2020 season in a bubble, he didn't participate with the Leones in order to dedicate full time to professional wrestling.[16][17] On December 18, 2021, Beast Mode made its debut for Organization International de Lucha (OIL) with a win over Sons of Samoa.[18] The alliance that this company had with Robles Promotions led to Ramos wrestling in Mexico in January 2022, adopting Mr. Beast as his ring name.[18] The team also made appearances for Wrestling República Dominicana (WRD).[19]
In 2023, Ramos joined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and debuted in NWA Powerrr against Trevor Murdoch, performing under the ring name Beast Mode.[20]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i Noel Piñero Planas (June 2, 2008). "Deportes". No soy el mismo de antes (in Spanish). Puerto Rico: El Nuevo Día.
- ^ "FIBA.basketball". FIBA.basketball.
- ^ "Baloncesto Superior Nacional | Jugador". www.bsnpr.com (in Spanish).
- ^ Ganglani, Naveen (December 23, 2014). "7-foot-3 PJ Ramos excited to play for KIA". Rappler.
- ^ "Tired of being a PBA punching bag, Pacquiao's KIA team set to sign 7-3 Puerto Rican as import". Spin.ph.
- ^ a b "Cambiará el BSN por la WWE". Primera Hora (in Spanish). April 28, 2016.
- ^ "Peter John va en serio con la lucha libre". Primera Hora (in Spanish). August 29, 2018.
- ^ "Peter John Ramos evalúa un salto a la WWE". El Nuevo Dia (in Spanish). August 29, 2018.
- ^ "WWC: Peter John Ramos confronta a Pedro Portillo III; El Gigante Nihan se expresa (VIDEOS)". contralona (in Spanish). September 20, 2019.
- ^ "Resultados WWC Noche de Campeones – Peter John traiciona a Ray; Primo se une a Gilbert". November 24, 2019.
- ^ "Peter John Ramos es todo un villano de la lucha libre". elcalce.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021.
- ^ "WWC Superestrellas de la Lucha Libre 02/01/20 | Supongo Que Es Algo ~ Impacto Estelar". February 2020. Archived from the original on February 4, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
- ^ "Con fecha el debut de Peter John Ramos como "luchador"". elcalce.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2020.
- ^ Raúl Álzaga (March 1, 2020). "Leones balancean vida de Peter John en la lucha libre y el BSN". Acción Deportiva. Archived from the original on March 2, 2020. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
- ^ "Beast Mode Apolo y Peter "La Bestia" Ramos rumbo a Qatar Pro Wrestling | Superluchas". October 20, 2020.
- ^ "Peter John Ramos no participará con los Leones de Ponce en la 'burbuja' del BSN". October 20, 2020.
- ^ "Peter John Ramos está dedicado a la lucha libre y no participará en la 'burbuja' el BSN". October 20, 2020.
- ^ a b "Imponente 'La Bestia' Peter John Ramos en su debut como luchador en México el Día de Navidad". December 27, 2021.
- ^ Anthony Piñero (May 19, 2021). "Beast Mode "El León" Apolo y Peter "La Bestia" Ramos llegan a República Dominicana" (in Spanish). Súper Luchas. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
- ^ Manolo Has Pizzazz (March 7, 2023). "NWA debuts giant masked man named Beast Mode". SB Nation. Retrieved March 7, 2023.