Noted NFL tight end and professional wrestler, Dennis Fortune, has had a remarkable career in the world of motorsports. His journey began in 2000 when SFX Entertainment, now Feld Entertainment, signed a contract with World Championship Wrestling to bring WCW-based trucks to their USHRA Monster Jam series. This partnership gave Fortune his start in monster trucks, initially as an unnamed "spokesman" for the nWo truck, delivering antagonistic interviews while driver Rob Knell focused on the truck.
However, many in the industry were vocal against the use of professional wrestling gimmicks for drivers, and the truck only lasted one season. The following year, Fortune began driving the WCW Nitro Machine truck in the winter season, then bounced around trucks during the summer. One notable moment during this time was when he gave basketball legend Karl Malone a ride in the WCW Nitro truck, and the two became close friends.
In 2002, when Malone signed a deal with SFX/Clear Channel to create a truck called Power Forward, Fortune was chosen as the driver and drove the truck for three years, reaching the World Finals in 2002 and 2003. His impressive performance in the Power Forward truck led to his involvement in another notable project.
In 2005, Fortune brought the idea of the Superman truck to the table, and the company created the new vehicle. Drawing from his professional wrestling background, he decided to dye his hair black and alter his look to match the character of Superman. He was successful in the Superman truck, making the final rounds of several stadium events and earning the "Most Improved Driver" award for 2005.
In subsequent seasons, Fortune continued to drive a variety of trucks, including the Captain America truck in 2012, 2013, and 2014, as part of Marvel Comics themed trucks. He also initiated the idea of the "Soldier Fortune" truck in the 2015 season, honoring the United States Armed Forces. Throughout his career, Fortune has demonstrated his versatility and dedication to the world of monster trucks.
