Matthew Freddie Peterson (June 1st, 1977) is a retired American Professional Wrestler better known by his ring name, Mad Dog Rufus or Rufus Magnum.
Peterson would began his career in OVW as Mad Dog Matthew, winning the OVW World Championship once before making it to WWE in March of 2001 where he would be known as Mad Dog Rufus. During his time in WWE, he would become a 3 time Hardcore Champion, a 1 time European Champion, a 1 time Intercontinental Champion, a 1 time WWE World Tag Team Champion, a 1 time Tag Team Champion, and a 2 time Cruiserweight Champion before being released in 2008. Following his departure, he would make waves in the independent scene. Arriving in Ring of Honor and becoming a 1 time ROH Pure Champion and a ROH Television Championship in 2009 and 2010 respectively. He would also make a impact in TNA and win their X-Division title twice, NJPW and win their IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship once, and APW and win their NOPW World, APW Intercontinental, World Tag Team, Hardcore, and Intergender titles throughout his time there.
Personal Life[]
Peterson was born on June 1st, 1975 in Tacoma, Florida. His parents split after his mother left his father after revealing she was in a Extramarital affair with a woman. He has 2 half siblings on his maternal side from his mother's previous relationship, while having 1 on his paternal side following his father remarrying in 1988.
Peterson was previously married to Dana Quinn from 2000 to 2011. They have a daughter named Jessie Magnum who was born during the early stages of their relationship who is currently training to become a Professional Wrestler. Magnum has since remarried since 2013 to Claire Michaels. They birthed twins Eric and Sarah in 2016.
Peterson is of Irish and Scottish Descent through his father and of German Descent through his father.