Ted Arcidi

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Ted Arcidi was a professional wrestler and powerlifter who debuted in Vince McMahon's WWF in late 1985. Massive in size and impressive in strength, Arcidi faced other "strongmen" such as Big John Studd and Hercules Hernandez during his stint and made a single appearance at Wrestlemania 2 in the WWF/NFL Battle Royal. He was released upon the return of Ken Patera (who incidentally was instrumental in his signing with Titan Sports-WWF) as Vince McMahon did not want to have issues with having two men billed as the "World's Strongest Man". Strangely though, even with his brief tenure, Arcidi did have an action figure produced by LJN for their Wrestling Superstars toy line.

In the late eighties, Arcidi moved on the World Class Championship Wrestling in Dallas, Texas, where he was known as "Mr. 705" (referring to his world record bench press). He was managed by Percival Pringle III (later Paul Bearer in the WWE) and was part of a stable of wrestlers including Rick Rude, the Dingo (Ultimate) Warrior and Cactus Jack Manson (Mick Foley). Arcidi captured that organization's Texas Heavyweight Title in 1988.

Arcidi left the organization in 1990 to pursue other endeavors. He made several appearances in the Caribbean but never came back to national stature.

Arcidi now runs New England's largest women's gym in Manchester, New Hampshire and owns his own supplement company called Arcidi Strength Systems. He also is acting in bit parts and commercials.

He was instrumental in the initial strength coaching of both Paul Levesque (Hunter Hearst Helmsley - HHH) and Joanie Laurer (Chyna) and assisted them in contacting Killer Kowalski, who trained them for wrestling.

Arcidi was the first man to in officially recognized competition bench press 700 pounds. His lifetime best in a contest was 725 pounds. He is sometimes known as "The Boss of the Bench Press". His lift of 705 pounds in 1982 (303 kg) would stand as a world record for eight years.

Arcidi has also done some television shows including a guest spot in Law and Order episode Bait as a Land Lord.

Arcidi's hometown is Nashua, New Hampshire.