[1] Trained by Eddie Sharkey, Rice spent much of his early career in Sharkey's Pro Wrestling America promotion, defeating Mad Dog Vachon for the heavyweight title in March 1986 and, with Derrick Dukes, defeating The Terminators for the tag team title in June 1987 before jumping to the American Wrestling Association in early 1988.
After losing to Badd Company in a rematch in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on July 29, they became involved in a short-lived feud with Beauty & The Beast, although John Paul would eventually leave the team by late 1988.
After a short stint in Windy City Pro Wrestling in which he defeated Jerry Lynn in Sullivan, Illinois on October 6, he returned to the AWA for a one-time appearance losing to Steve O on May 3, 1991.
Rice enjoyed a brief seven-day reign as the PWA Light Heavyweight champion before losing the title to Jerry Lynn on December 29.
In 1990 and 1991, Rice made several appearances for the World Wrestling Federation as an enhancement talent on their weekly syndicated programs, working with such stars as Ted DiBiase, Ricky Steamboat, The Big Boss Man, Kerry Von Erich, The Mountie and Bret Hart.