Dean Robert Peters (August 22, 1958 – December 15, 1998) was an American professional wrestler and referee, best known under the ring names Brady Boone and Battle Kat. Though never a main-event star, Peters’ career was a fascinating journey through regional promotions, the WWF, Japan, and WCW, with his high-flying gymnastics style quietly influencing future stars such as Rob Van Dam.
Early Career – Pacific Northwest Beginnings (1984–1987)
Dean Peters broke into professional wrestling in 1984, training and competing in Don Owen’s NWA Pacific Northwest Wrestling territory. He wrestled as Brady Boone, billed as the cousin of local favorite Billy Jack Haynes.
Despite being undersized for the era (around 5’9”, 200 lbs.), Peters made up for it with dazzling agility. His gymnastics background translated into dropkicks, flips, and a level of athleticism uncommon in the mid-80s heavyweight-dominated landscape.
Boone quickly made his mark, capturing the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship twice in 1986—first with Coco Samoa and later with Ricky Santana. By 1987, he had expanded beyond the Pacific Northwest, touring Mid-Atlantic, Central States, Florida, and even All Japan Pro Wrestling, sharpening his craft against an increasingly diverse set of opponents.
World Wrestling Federation – Brady Boone (1987–1988)
In July 1987, Boone began working full-time for the World Wrestling Federation.
On television, Boone was often presented as an “enhancement” talent—losing to larger, more established stars. But on house shows, he frequently picked up wins over journeymen like Barry Horowitz, The Gladiator, and José Estrada Sr. In fact, in 1987 alone, Boone tallied 19 singles victories on the circuit.
Boone was part of one memorable WWF angle in October 1987, teaming with Scott Casey against Demolition. After the match, Demolition brutalized Boone until Haynes and Ken Patera attempted a save—only to be beaten down themselves. Boone was stretchered out, furthering Demolition’s reputation as unstoppable destroyers.
He remained with WWF through September 1988, even challenging The Honky Tonk Man twice on Superstars for the Intercontinental Championship. His role may have been limited, but Boone’s athletic style and willingness to take punishment made him a valuable piece of the roster.
All Japan Pro Wrestling and Florida (1988–1990)
After leaving WWF, Boone returned to Japan, competing in All Japan Pro Wrestling, as well as in Florida indies.
In January 1990, he defeated Iron Mike Sharpe in Maryland for Trans World Wrestling Federation, showing he was still a regular on the U.S. independent loop while picking up international mileage in Japan.
WWF Return – The Battle Kat (1990)
In May 1990, Peters reappeared in the WWF. By September, he was repackaged as the masked Battle Kat, a feline-themed superhero who leaned heavily into Peters’ gymnastic arsenal.
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Televised debut: September 19, 1990 (Wrestling Challenge) – defeated Bob Bradley.
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Followed with wins over Paul Diamond and Boris Zhukov.
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Undefeated in his short WWF run.
The gimmick, while colorful and kid-friendly, didn’t gain traction. Peters was quietly released by year’s end, and the gimmick was handed to Bob Bradley, who used it briefly in an enhancement capacity before it disappeared entirely.
Fire Cat and Japan Return (1991–1992)
As Fire Cat, Peters resurfaced in Suncoast Pro Wrestling, winning the SPW Tag Team Championship alongside a young Jerry Lynn. He then brought the Fire Cat persona to All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1992, teaming with Richard Slinger in mid-card matches.
Though his Japanese run wasn’t lengthy, Peters’ style made him a natural fit for All Japan’s athletic tag team division, where speed and agility were valued.
World Championship Wrestling – Wrestler and Referee (1993–1994)
In late 1993, Peters joined WCW, initially wrestling under the Brady Boone name.
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Debuted on WCW Saturday Night (Dec. 7, 1993) in a tag team loss to Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff & Paul Roma).
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Competed against stars like “Stunning” Steve Austin and Brian Pillman.
By late 1994, Peters transitioned into a role as a WCW referee, which would remain his primary involvement in the company through the mid-1990s.
Independent Circuit Return (1996–1997)
Despite his referee duties, Peters still wrestled occasionally on the independents.
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1996: Returned to NWA Florida as Fire Cat, losing to Rob Van Dam—a man he’d mentored years earlier.
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1997: His final recorded match came against Adrian Street.
Death and Legacy
On December 15, 1998, tragedy struck. Driving home to Tampa from an Orlando WCW taping, Peters was killed in a car accident. He was only 40 years old.
Though never a superstar, Peters left an indelible impact on those who knew him. His athleticism inspired future high-flyers—most notably Rob Van Dam, who credited Peters with helping him in his early years and even convincing Giant Baba to book RVD in All Japan. Van Dam has paid tribute by incorporating some of Peters’ moves into his own repertoire.
Peters also hailed from the famed Robbinsdale High School in Minnesota, the unlikely cradle of wrestling talent that produced Curt Hennig, Rick Rude, Tom Zenk, Nikita Koloff, John Nord, and Barry Darsow.
Championships and Accomplishments
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NWA Pacific Northwest Wrestling
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NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (2x) – with Coco Samoa & Ricky Santana
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Suncoast Pro Wrestling
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SPW Tag Team Championship (1x) – with Jerry Lynn
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Personal Life
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Married Sherry Exum-Peterson in 1991.
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Father to two children, Kaley and Jessy.
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Uncle to WCW referee Johnny Boone.
Remembering Brady Boone
Dean Peters’ career often put him on the undercard, behind a mask, or in the referee’s stripes—but to his peers, he was a consummate professional. His courage to wrestle “smaller” in a land of giants, and his creative, gymnastic style, pointed toward the future of wrestling.
Though his life was cut short, his influence quietly lived on in the high-flying, hybrid styles that defined the 1990s and beyond.