Rivera was born and raised in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. Got connected to the wrestling business working as a security guard at World Wrestling Council live shows. After graduating from high school, he went to Miami, Florida, where he tried out for the WWF. He was accepted and sent back to Puerto Rico to wrestle for the World Wrestling Council as TNT, adopting a gimmick based on his martial arts background and featuring several elements from stereotypical Hispanic gimmicks. He was managed by "El Profe" Ángel Pantoja Rivera, and first feuded with Chicky Starr. He won his first championship, the WWC North American Heavyweight Championship, on May 2, 1987, by defeating Miguel Pérez. On July 11, he became a dual champion, winning the WWC World Tag Team Championship with Mr. Pogo and holding it for nineteen days. To close the year, he teamed up with Abdullah the Butcher in All Japan Pro Wrestling, losing to Hiroshi Wajima and Giant Baba. He also wrestled early in his career at Mid-South Wrestling as the masked El Corsario.