Professional wrestling is filled with journeymen who balance technical excellence with character work, but few men have managed to reinvent themselves quite as effectively as John Stagikas. Known on the independent circuit as “Hurricane” John Walters, he carved out a reputation as a skilled technician and eventual Ring of Honor Pure Champion. Later, in Lucha Libre USA, he transformed into the controversial R.J. Brewer, a character embodying conservative, anti-immigration rhetoric that drew national attention. Across two decades, Stagikas proved he could thrive both as a respected workhorse in traditional wrestling and as a lightning rod for heat in the sports-entertainment sphere.
Early Life and Background
Born July 31, 1979, in Massachusetts, John Stagikas grew up excelling in athletics. At Framingham High School, he was a wide receiver in football, while also playing volleyball and basketball. His speed and agility made him a natural athlete, and he continued on a football scholarship at Assumption College in Worcester, where he played for two years. Unfortunately, a neck cyst required surgery, ending his gridiron dreams.
That setback, however, opened the door to professional wrestling. Stagikas always had an interest in the business, and in January 2001, he enrolled at the legendary Killer Kowalski’s wrestling school in Malden, Massachusetts. He trained under Kowalski for several months, honing his technical skills and developing a disciplined in-ring style that would become his trademark.
Breaking In: “Hurricane” John Walters
Stagikas debuted in 2001 under the ring name John Walters, paying tribute to his trainer. At the suggestion of a college roommate, he adopted the nickname “Hurricane”, giving his straight-laced persona a bit of flair.
He began his career on the Boston independent circuit, wrestling for promotions like World Wrestling Alliance, New England Championship Wrestling (NECW), and Chaotic Wrestling (CW). Walters quickly stood out for his technical ability and crisp execution, qualities that made him a natural fit for promotions focused on in-ring credibility.
Chaotic Wrestling (2001–2006)
Chaotic Wrestling became Walters’ home base for much of his early career. He achieved early success, capturing the CW Television Championship in 2001. Later, he teamed with Vince Vicallo as the tag team 12 Pack, winning the CW Tag Team Championship.
Walters then moved into the main-event scene, capturing the CW Heavyweight Championship on multiple occasions between 2002 and 2004. His matches often showcased a blend of psychology and athleticism, and his feuds with Luis Ortiz and Arch Kincaid cemented him as one of the promotion’s top stars.
In 2009, Chaotic honored Walters by inducting him into the CW Hall of Fame, a testament to the legacy he built in New England.
Ring of Honor: Pure Wrestling Excellence
The launch of Ring of Honor (ROH) in 2002 provided Walters the perfect stage. Though initially overlooked, he persisted and in 2003, he debuted for ROH against Andy Anderson at Do or Die. Soon after, he was entered into the Field of Honor Tournament and began feuding with Xavier, culminating in a decisive victory in a “Fight Without Honor” match.
Walters’ biggest moment came in August 2004, when he defeated Doug Williams to win the ROH Pure Championship. The Pure Title was designed to highlight strict rules and technical mastery, and Walters fit the bill perfectly. He defended the belt against Nigel McGuinness, Homicide, Jimmy Rave, and Jay Lethal, showcasing his technical prowess and elevating the prestige of the division.
He later aligned with Prince Nana’s Embassy faction, adding heel charisma to his otherwise straight-laced image. Walters lost the title to Jay Lethal in March 2005, and by late that year stepped away due to injuries. Though he returned for a one-off in 2006 against McGuinness, his ROH run is remembered as one of technical excellence and respect.
WWE Appearances
Walters also made occasional appearances for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in the early 2000s. He wrestled as enhancement talent against stars like The Big Show and Team Angle. His most notable WWE moment came at WrestleMania XX in 2004, when he appeared as one of The Undertaker’s druids during his iconic entrance at Madison Square Garden.
Independent Circuit and International Work
Outside ROH and Chaotic, Walters remained active across the independents. He won the ECWA Heavyweight Championship in 2004, holding it for nine months. He also wrestled for NECW, BTW, and other regional promotions, collecting championships and accolades. His reputation as a dependable worker made him a fixture in promotions throughout the Northeast.
Reinvention: R.J. Brewer in Lucha Libre USA (2010–2013)
Perhaps the most controversial chapter of Stagikas’ career came with Lucha Libre USA, where he rebranded as R.J. Brewer. Inspired by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and the controversial SB 1070 immigration law, his character was a conservative, anti-immigration heel who vowed to rid the company of its Mexican lucha libre identity.
He entered the ring draped in the Arizona flag, wore tights emblazoned with “SB1070,” and cut scathing promos targeting immigrants. Brewer’s gimmick drew massive heat, especially in front of lucha audiences, and quickly became the promotion’s most talked-about act.
In 2011, Brewer formed the faction The Right, alongside Petey Williams, Jon Rekon, and Stevie Richards, amplifying his message. He eventually won the Lucha Libre USA Championship, defeating Lizmark Jr. and Marco Corleone with interference from Richards.
Brewer’s run gained mainstream attention, earning him features on ABC Nightline, Fox News, CNN, Geraldo Rivera’s radio show, and even coverage in The LA Times and Harper’s Magazine. It was rare for an independent wrestler to gain such national exposure, and while many fans despised the character, Stagikas himself embraced the role as performance art.
Later Career and Semi-Retirement
After LLUSA folded, Stagikas continued working sporadically in the independents, but largely stepped away from wrestling to focus on life outside the ring. He dabbled in real estate, trained shelter dogs, and spent significant time living in Costa Rica.
In 2020, he announced a return to full-time wrestling, bringing his career full circle nearly two decades after his debut.
Personal Life
Stagikas’ life outside wrestling has been just as diverse. Beyond real estate, he has invested in property, including a villa in Costa Rica. He’s also been active in animal welfare, training shelter dogs. Despite his R.J. Brewer persona, Stagikas has generally been described by peers as thoughtful, professional, and respectful.
Championships and Accomplishments
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Ring of Honor
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ROH Pure Championship (1 time)
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Chaotic Wrestling
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CW Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
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CW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Vince Vicallo
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CW Television Championship (1 time)
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CW Hall of Fame (2009)
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Eastern Wrestling Alliance
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EWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
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EWA New England Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
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New England Championship Wrestling
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NECW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
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East Coast Wrestling Association
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ECWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
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Big Time Wrestling
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BTW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
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Lucha Libre USA
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LLUSA Championship (2 times)
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Legacy
John Stagikas’ wrestling career is notable for its versatility. As John Walters, he embodied the pure wrestler: technical, disciplined, and respected among his peers. As R.J. Brewer, he reinvented himself into one of the most despised heels of his era, gaining attention from mainstream outlets rarely afforded to independent wrestlers.
Whether inside the ropes of Ring of Honor defending the Pure Title or cutting scathing promos as Brewer in Lucha Libre USA, Stagikas proved that adaptability and performance range can extend a wrestler’s relevance across decades. He may never have held a WWE contract, but his career remains an example of how skill, character, and persistence can carve out a lasting mark in professional wrestling.