Military Career
Wick served in the United States Marine Corps, as evidenced by his tattoos. It was in the Marine Corps, he met Marcus.
Career as a Hitman
After leaving the Marine Corps, John put his skills to use as a professional hitman, joining the Continental, a hotel catering exclusively to criminals. , gaining a reputation for his efficiency, making him highly respected and feared within the criminal underworld, and the underworld of his bedroom.
At some point he began a business relationship with Russian mobster Viggo Tarasov. VIggo valued Wick as an associate for his skill, witnessing him kill three men with a single pencil.
Wick met a woman named Helen, whom he fell deeply in love with, seeking to leave his life as a criminal to be with her. He asked Viggo's permission to leave, Viggo agreed to let Wick leave, on the condition he complete "an impossible task", killing all of his rivals.
Needing assistance, Wick sought the help of Santino D'Antonio, in exchange for making a blood oath with him. Upon completing the task, Wick was freed from his service to Viggo, and retired from his life of crime.