Giovanni "Johnny" Roselli, born on September 23, 1981, is an American professional wrestler and actor better known to wrestling fans as Romeo Roselli. Hardcore wrestling fanatics will recognize Giovanni as his moniker Romeo Roselli while he was half of “The Heart Throbs” in WWE.
Beyond the wrestling ring, Roselli has proven to be a man of many talents. Mr. Roselli is still wrestling in the independent circuit, but has added a lot more job titles to his resume. He’s a fitness coach and educator, and recently he’s made huge leaps into being recognized for his acting talents too.
Romeo Roselli in the ring in 2007
Early Career and Training
From a young age, Roselli aspired to become a professional wrestler, a dream he expressed vividly by dressing as Hulk Hogan for Halloween during third grade. These formative experiences in Westchester County shaped his interests, blending admiration for national stars with the excitement of regional wrestling scenes.
In 1998, at the age of 17, Roselli began his wrestling training in Springfield, Massachusetts, under the guidance of local trainer Kevin Landry at a facility that served as an early hub for aspiring wrestlers in the region. This initial period focused on building foundational skills, including basic maneuvers, ring psychology, and physical conditioning, as Roselli prepared for a potential professional debut.
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To refine his technique, Roselli sought additional mentorship from established figures in the wrestling world, training with Dory Funk Jr., Lance Storm, and Bill DeMott between 1998 and 2000. These sessions emphasized advanced grappling, submission holds, and in-ring storytelling, helping him transition from novice to polished performer.
Roselli made his professional wrestling debut in the late 1990s under the ring name Johnny Heartbreaker, performing in small independent venues in the Northeast United States after graduating high school. Initially wrestling as a heel, he honed his skills through matches in regional promotions, drawing on foundational training received under Kevin Landry in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Early Success as Johnny Heartbreaker
From 1998 to 2000, Roselli wrestled as a heel, regularly appearing for the video-based promotion Junior Pro Wrestling Association as Johnny Heartbreaker. He rose to the top of the JPWA ranks after defeating top-ranked Damian "Lionheart" Campari. Heartbreaker went on to have the JPWA's longest undefeated streak until, after losing an arm wrestling challenge to Biff Backstreet, Backstreet challenged him to a match and was victorious.
At the demise of the JPWA, Heartbreaker had the 3rd highest number of wins, behind Sasha "The Russian Skullcrusher" and Campari.
Tag Team Success
In 2002, Heartbreaker transitioned to more prominent tag team action, partnering with Mike Preston as the duo VIP to capture the vacant New England Pro Wrestling (NEPW) Tag Team Championship on July 13. The team defended the titles successfully in subsequent matches, including victories over Dr. Heresy and Chi Chi Cruz on September 7 and October 6, as well as the Burning River Brigade on November 3. These defenses highlighted Heartbreaker's ability to integrate high-energy teamwork with in-ring psychology, solidifying his reputation in Northeast promotions.
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By early 2004, Heartbreaker reunited with longtime friend and training partner Tom Matera (billed as Antonio Thomas) to form the Heartbreakers tag team, debuting in the Eastern Wrestling Alliance (EWA). On January 23, in Southbridge, Massachusetts, the Heartbreakers defeated Cueball and Nick McKenna to win the EWA Tag Team Championship, marking a key storyline focused on their charismatic, flirtatious personas. They retained the titles in a best-of-three-falls match against Clinically Inclined on April 16, showcasing innovative double-team maneuvers.
The Heart Throbs: Romeo Roselli and Antonio Thomas
With JPWA closing, Johnny Heartbreaker started wrestling for New Era Pro Wrestling. While there, he formed a tag team with Mike Preston called the VIP. In 2003, Johnny Heartbreaker formed a tag team with Antonio Thomas called the Heart Breakers.
WWE and The Heart Throbs
In 2004, Roselli began training at Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE's developmental territory, starting in the beginner's class in June after encouragement from WWE talent relations official Dr. Tom Prichard during his internship at WWE headquarters. He impressed OVW booker Jim Cornette with his work ethic among 20 to 30 other aspiring wrestlers, leading to his official signing of a WWE developmental contract on February 16, 2005.
Roselli debuted on the main roster as part of the tag team The Heart Throbs alongside Antonio Thomas, a partner from his independent circuit days whose prior teamwork inspired the flirtatious, flamboyant gimmick of overly confident womanizers. Their first televised match occurred on the February 14, 2005, episode of Heat, losing to The Hurricane and Rosey; they made their official Raw debut on April 18, 2005, at Madison Square Garden, falling to World Tag Team Champions William Regal and Tajiri in a non-title bout.
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The Heart Throbs in WWE
A typical day for Roselli during his OVW tenure involved balancing part-time work waiting tables at Tony Roma's with intensive training sessions, observing contracted wrestlers' classes, and performing at weekend house shows to build stamina and promo skills.
In April 2005, William Regal and Tajiri successfully defended the World Tag Team Championship against the debuting Romeo (Roselli) and Antonio (Thomas), billed as "The Heart Throbs". The heel team mainly appeared on the Raw brand's B-show, Heat. During the first Heat episode of 2006, the pair turned face and began regularly bringing two "hot chicks" into the ring with them to dance.
Matches in WWE:
Here's a table summarizing some of The Heart Throbs' matches in WWE:
| Date | Event | Match | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 25, 2005 | RAW (HEAT) | The Heart Throbs (Romeo Roselli & Antonio Thomas) vs. Eric Schwarz & Domino | The Heart Throbs won |
| May 2, 2005 | RAW (HEAT) | The Heart Throbs (Antonio & Romeo) vs. William Regal & Tajiri | The Heart Throbs won |
| May 30, 2005 | RAW | The SuperHeros w/Stacy Keibler vs. The Heart Throbs | The SuperHeros retained the Tag Team titles |
| June 6, 2005 | RAW | The Heart Throbs & Victoria vs. The Hurricane & Rosey & Christy Hemme | The Heart Throbs' team won by Disqualification |
| July 18, 2005 | RAW (HEAT) | The SuperHeros vs. The Heart Throbs (Romeo & Antonio) | The SuperHeros retained the Tag Team titles |
Independent Circuit and TNA
Following his WWE release in February 2006, Roselli quickly returned to the independent circuit, joining World Wrestling Council (WWC) for a one-month tour in Puerto Rico in April. During this stint, he defeated El Bronco on April 15 to win the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship but lost it back in a loser-leaves-town rematch a week later on April 22.
Later in 2006, Roselli embarked on a European tour with Nu Wrestling Evolution (NWE), performing in venues across Italy, England, and Spain.
Roselli returned to Ohio Valley Wrestling in October where he lost to Paul Burchill. Roselli then went to Europe to tour with Nu-Wrestling Evolution. On January 13, 2007, Roselli debuted for Full Impact Pro when he teamed up with Antonio Thomas and Shiima Xion and lost to Pelle Primeau and The Heartbreak Express (Phil Davis and Sean Davis).
At Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Destination X PPV, on March 11, 2007, Roselli and Antonio Thomas, (billed as The Heartbreakers), were revealed as the mystery tag team selected by Christy Hemme to face the Voodoo Kin Mafia.
On July 28, 2012, The Heart Throbs made their debut for Chikara, teaming with The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) in an eight-man tag team match, where they were defeated by Hallowicked, Jigsaw, Mike Quackenbush and UltraMantis Black.
Roselli sustained his independent momentum in the United States through the late 2000s and into the 2010s, making regular appearances with promotions like Northeast Wrestling (NEW), where he featured in storylines involving veteran talents, Big Time Wrestling (BTW), and Chikara, often reuniting with Antonio Thomas to revive their Heart Throbs tag team dynamic for nostalgic crowds.
Over time, his gimmick evolved from the flamboyant romantic persona of his WWE days to a more grounded, technician-focused approach suited to the indie scene's emphasis on storytelling and athleticism.
Romeo Roselli vs Mick Foley
It’s always very satisfying and fulfilling when I get the opportunity to be in the ring with guys like Mick Foley, Jerry Lawler, Roddy Piper, among other countless icons. I grew up watching and idolizing these men. It comes full circle going from watching them on TV to performing with them in the ring.
Transition to Acting
Roselli began transitioning from professional wrestling to acting in the mid-2000s, leveraging his athletic background and SAG-AFTRA membership to secure roles in feature films that often drew on his physicality and wrestling persona.
He’s appeared in everything from comedy College Road Trip, The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke, “As the World Turns,” “Saturday Night Live,” and the horror title, Can You Survive A Horror Movie?
In 2008, Roselli appeared uncredited as a Trojan Shouter in the family comedy College Road Trip, directed by Roger Kumble, where he played a wrestler-like figure during a chaotic college tour sequence, capitalizing on his imposing build from years in WWE.
Roselli's first lead role arrived in the horror-comedy Jersey Shore Massacre (2014), directed by Paul Tarnopol, where he played the antagonist Tony, a menacing guido character in a slasher film parodying reality TV tropes; his wrestling-honed intensity and physical prowess were key factors in his casting, as noted in production interviews, marking a significant step in his acting career beyond wrestling cameos.
Now he will be playing the lead role of Tony in Paul Tarnopol’s Jersey Shore Massacre. Tony was a really entertaining character to play. He is the alpha male leader of the guidos, and claims to be a “Staten Island Stallion.” Don’t mess with him or his crew, or you’ll be getting a beat-down from this self-proclaimed boxer. As tough as he is with his boys, he is even smoother with the ladies.
Getting to shoot the stunt scenes was a total blast. In addition, like with any film, you form bonds with some of the individuals on set. I shared many great moments with the entire cast and crew.
Jersey Shore Massacre is not your first time playing a guido. Baby Mama and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” were actually your first times playing the plague of NJ. Well, I naturally have the look for your typical guido, and I really enjoy the comedy aspect of entertainment. As irony would have it, my lifestyle is pretty much the exact opposite of that character type. I don’t drink. I don’t go to clubs, and I don’t party. I try to get to bed early every night and eat only nutrient-dense organic foods. Maybe I can start a new, healthier version of the guido.
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Life Outside Wrestling and Acting
Although Roselli continues to work as an independent wrestler, he is also a certified personal trainer and has focused his attention on acting. In July 2008, he returned to FUSE, on the program "You Rock, Lets Roll" - a dating show hosted by Jared Cotter.
In his health and fitness career, Roselli trains clients, does presentations and workshops, as well as continuing education for trainers. It's also led him to interesting connections, most notably training drummer Max Weinberg ahead of E-Street Band tours.
Roselli said Weinberg is one of his biggest success stories. Roselli said Weinberg was using a back brace on tours when they first started training together, but moved away from using it after training with him.