He started out as Sting's tag team partner, went to Texas as the Dingo Warrior and then traveled to the WWF. Unfortunately, Roberts suffered from alcohol abuse during his career. Hogan began his professional wrestling career in . Michael Lee Alfonso was an American professional wrestler. Its almost impossible to overstate the precision and crispness of Harts technical abilities and his resilience in the face of some very real tragedies is beyond admirable. He will always be known as the guy who helped set up Hulkamania. Wrestler Deaths. Big Boss Man - Dead at 41. He was mainly used as a jobber - a wrestler who rarely wins and is King Kong Bundy was riding a win streak of 300 consecutive victories when he challenged Terry "Hulk" Hogan to the World Wrestling Federation World's Heavyweight Championship. He was in the first Wrestlemania against Hogan and Mr. T. As a competitor, he could have and should have held World gold in WWF but never attained the status. Blood clots in his lungs hampered his in-ring career which has affected him later in life as well. Teamed with good friend Dusty Rhodes to form the Texas Outlaws in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He could have been one of the best of all time, but was rushed too soon and we never got to see the best of him. As a fan for the past 35 years and a writer who covered it in South Carolina, I seen some great things. Anyway, I'm lookin' at you, Rankers. He was previously married to Angela Easterwood. Wrestled against Jerry Lawler in the Mid-South area and then took his act to WWF where he teamed with Miss Elizabeth and found gold. Started out as Terry Allen in Florida before moving to Jim Crockett Promotions where Ric Flair said Allen would be the man to replace him as champion and take over the NWA. Credit: World Wrestling Entertainment. score: 23 of 126 (18%) required scores: 1, 2, 3, 4, 51 list stats leaders vote print comments Quick! Search for: . His first Shelton Benjamin was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina on July 9, 1976. He was so white and pale and hairless, he was referred to as the Michelin Man. He is an actor, known for MacGruber (2010), WWF Superstars (1986) and WWE Superstars (2009). Have had legal troubles and was Miss Elizabeth's boyfriend when she passed away of a drug overdose. This Erick Rowan photo is a bit of a phenomenon. He is an actor, known for Stampede Wrestling (1957), WCW Monday Nitro (1995) and WCW Saturday Night (1985). Backlund was a crowd favorite and would prove that mat wrestling could still win in the end. In 2007, Luger suffered a nerve impingement that left him with paralysis from the neck down. "Big Daddy" Shirley Crabtree - an icon of '70s British wrestling. 3,570 votes. And in doing so, he proved he could not draw like Hogan and eventually lost the strap. King Kong Bundy. His father Gory Guerrero became a star in the U.S., an icon in Texas and a legend in Mexico. Many of us never saw him wrestle, err, beat people up, err, bloody people to a pulp. He was a star in the Universal Wrestling Federation, wrestled in Georgia and feuded with both Brad Armstrong and Tommy Rich. They challenged the Horsemen, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew, the Road Warriors and had a famous battle with the Rock & Roll Express. He led the way for Kendo Nagasaki and The Great Muta. The group which consists of Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Triple H, Justin Credible, and Shawn Michaels are best friends in and out of the Jerry Lynn was born on June 12, 1963 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Hayes went to WCW and later to WWE as a road agent and announcer. American-born, Canadian-raised professional wrestler, rock singer, actor and author. forest park wrestling. Though being the heel commentator, his hilarious one-liners on commentary have endeared him to the fans. One of the voices of professional wrestling in the 1980s and 90s, Gorilla Monsoon was one of the biggest stars to ever sit behind the announce table. He is signed to WWE.He began his professional wrestling career on the independent circuit in 1992, wrestling in Paul also played college basketball at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 1992 to 1993, and was a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Cougars basketball team. The American Dream Dusty Rhodes rose to the top of the professional wrestling world in the 1980s. Fought with Verne Gagne, Hulk Hogan and Billy Robinson. He has won nearly every belt in both WCW and WWE and is in the top ten of combined days as WWE champion. With all do respect to Robert Aitken, my writing colleague, there are better wrestlers in the 1980s that came out of other organizations besides the WWF. He was a three-time world title holder, and held court in Florida and the Carolinas. Jeff Jarrett was trained in the USWA which was run by his father. Despite the abuse his body took at his age and through his long career, Diamond Dallas Page remains in top physical form. OOOOHHHHHHH YYEEEEEEEAAHHHHH!!! Follow Jesse on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JessePRodriguez to get his latest articles. Played by Satoru Sayama, who Bret Hart once called the Bruce Lee of professional wrestling, Tiger Mask I was both a real-life wrestling character and the star of a popular Japanese cartoon. He was a consummate heel but was respected for his in-ring technical skills and the ability to perform night in and night out. Robert Louis Backlund is an American retired amateur and professional wrestler. Feuded with Austin Idol and Randy Savage. Daikaij Batoru: Urutora Ginga Densetsu - The Movie. Lou Albano. He is an actor and director, known for ROH: Final Battle 2003 (2003), WCW Thunder (1998) and All Japan Pro Wrestling 2002 Real World Tag League Gaora TV Special (2002). (1999). Check out a gallery remember classic 80's star King Kong Bundy List View Player View Grid View Brutus The Barber Beefcake 30/30 1 /30 4 Ratings 581,728 Views Wonderful, to Mr. The Honky Tonk Man captured Intercontinental gold and rode the wave for more than his fair share of fame. Owen was one of the best wrestlers in the business and his major accomplishments include being the 1994 King of the Ring, former Martin Anthony Lunde , better known by the ring name Arn Anderson, is an American professional wrestling road agent, author, and retired professional wrestler. Savage was WWF champion and then went to WCW to claim more world gold and fight and then join the NWO. His program has kept him in terrific shape at 61, improving his quality of life. Four times they won the world title. Georgia Championship Wrestling, Jim Crockett Promotions, Southeastern Championship Wrestling. The Brain is now unrecognizable and, sadly, left unable to speak. He was previously married to Diana Hart. He joined the Horsemen and teamed with Arn Anderson to form a powerful tag team. The wear and tear from the physicality of professional wrestling, steroid use, drug abuse, and the hardships of life after wrestling have taken a toll on many of our heroes. Unless you aren't a fan of wrestling. Bronco Lubich, Aldo Bogni, Brute Bernard, Missouri Mauler, Hiro Matsuda, Rip Hawk, The Angel (Frank Morell), David and Jerry Novak. I stand by that statement. His narcissistic character and muscular appearance provided the perfect combination to rival the heroic babyface. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Vampiro is known for A Wolf at the Door (2013), Trash (2014) and Crossing the Line (2012). At first, he was a heel, but later turned face, around WrestleMania VIII (1992). Orton was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Bob Orton, Jr. and his wife Elaine. Asai now works for CMLL in Mexico City and also Luis Ignacio Urive Alvirde was born on December 22, 1982 in Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico. His brother Bret is also one of the most well known wrestlers of all time. And before the bolted to the WWF, names like Piper and Sgt. He was previously married to Stacy Carter, Paula Jean Carruth and Martha Kay Williams. "The American Dream" has been one of the most popular and colorful professional wrestlers in history. One of wrestlings breakout stars, Roddy Piper became a bonafide pop-cultural icon with numerous appearances on television sitcoms and cartoons. His vicious character climaxed in the . Wrestled in the UWF and WCW and then went to the WWF and flourished. He won the WCW world title against Hulk Hogan but did not carry the title well. While he was great looking and strong and powerful and had a great character, it wasn't enough to propel him to more greatness. Won the AWA heavyweight championship and feuded with the likes of Kerry Von Erich. Its no surprise that The Crush Gals are often considered the greatest womens tag team of all time considering the duos perfectly honed and incredibly powerful movesets. He moved to the Carolinas and feuded with Flair, Valentine and Jack Brisco. One cant think of a larger than life wrestler without thinking of Lex Luger. (1999), Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia (2009) and TNA iMPACT! He debuted in Florida in 1979 and proceeded to work all over the world, particularly in Japan. Hes still capable of walking down the aisle and putting a maggot in his place. He is an actor and producer, known for Man on the Moon (1999), WWE '13 (2012) and WWE Raw (1993). Wrestling (2004), TNA Wrestling: Phenomenal - The Best of AJ Styles (2004) and 1PW: First Anniversary (2007). He feuded with Wahoo McDaniel, Tully Blanchard and Nikita Koloff. When he was wrestling in Bill Watts' promotion, JYD was a talker and a performer. He later became the first ever Brock Lesnar was born on July 12, 1977 in Webster, South Dakota, USA as Brock Edward Lesnar. The Sheik was an accomplished amateur before he went pro. Gary Hart brought him over from the Orient to feud with Dusty Rhodes in Florida. He helped launch the careers of Sting, Lex Luger, Rick Steamboat and Arn Anderson. He was not much of a wrestler in WWF as much as he was an entertainer. Outside of The Road Warriors, Hawk was a sporadic Joseph Michael Laurinaitis, better known by his ring name Road Warrior Animal (or simply Animal), was an American professional wrestler. Although perhaps better known these days for his bombastic and foul-mouthed twitter rampages, Iron Sheik was a key heel throughout the 80s. At his age of 68, he still resembles his iconic character and, despite the rough life of pro wrestling, his boot camp training appears to have kept him in good shape. While Ventura remains busy with non-wrestling projects, his long, stringy, gray hair makes him look more like a crazy hermit than a former pro wrestler turned governor. His father, from Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada, is black (of Black Curt Hennig was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as the son of one of wrestlings all time legends - Larry Hennig - Aka Larry The Ax Hennig. An early example of the queer coded villain in the wrestling world, Adrian Adonis was a grotesque caricature of gay culture but a compelling personality nonetheless. Whether it was Bobby Eaton an Dennis Condrey or Stan Lane, the team could wrestle anyone. He was great for a number of reasons. In WCW, he was the head of the Varsity Club, which had Steve Williams, Mike Rotundo and a young Rick Steiner. Terry Eugene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler and television personality. Then, in 2002, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. Rhodes went to the WWF and was summarily used as a mid card wrestler. Even worse, Flair lost his son, Reid, to an accidental overdose. Hogan's run as a top name in wrestling lasted for almost ten years and saw . One of wrestlings premiere villainesses, Bull Nakanos striking punk rock-influenced look would enrapture audiences around the world, as did her absolute physical domination in the ring. And having Missy Hyatt at his side was not a bad idea, either. Yoga. The history of womens wrestling may have taken an entirely different direction had Wendi not been bamboozled by Vince McMahon and The Fabulous Moolah during the infamous Rock N Wrestling connection moment. He was a tag team partner of Tommy Rich. For fans that are only familiar with his work as a manager in AEW for FTR, you owe it to yourselves to check Tully out in the ring. Budy's streak was snapped when Hogan defeated him in a wild brawl. He was a good looking guy from Hawaii who held the Intercontinental Title in WWF but never challenged for the WWF heavyweight title. Went to the WWF and another superstar was born. This colorful, high-flying wrestler was a mainstay in the WWF from 1986 to 1993. His quick one-liners, sharp tongue and squeaky voice made his heel role a perfect fit and helped transition The King from wrestler to announcer. He wrestled for his father's promotion throughout the 80's before hitting the big time in the early 90's. The feud between Orndorff and Hogan was one of the longest and most memorable feuds of the 80s. Though he has mostly recovered from his stroke, in 2016 Bret Hart was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Curtbegan training to follow in his fathers footsteps when he was just 12 years old. He is an actor, known for WWE Smackdown! (1999), WWE Saturday Night's Main Event (2006) and ECW One Night Stand (2005). Jarrett had his first major run in the WWF - winning the Intercontinental Title 6 times before joining WCW. While no longer flaunting his Million Dollar Championship belt, hes still on good terms with the WWE and makes special appearances from time to time. He had many legendary matches and feuds with Ric Flair, culminating in their epic "Holy Trilogy" of matches at WCW Sidney Raymond Eudy is an American former professional wrestler. (1999), WWE Saturday Morning Slam (2012) and WWE Raw (1993). In 2002, Asai underwent arm surgery which allowed him to return to wrestling. Warrior was very one-dimensional and it showed. Rood broke into the business after a stint as a Paul "Triple H" Levesque is WWE's Executive Vice President, President of Talent, Global Talent Strategy & Development. The Niedhart legacy these days is carried on through current WWE superstar Natalya, but her father frequently known as The Anvil had cemented his heroic status long before she began fighting. Johnson had rugged good looks and a style that most wrestlers did not have. 40. - The Top 50 Incidents in WWE History, TNA Wrestling: Phenomenal - The Best of AJ Styles. One cant think of great Hogan rivalries without thinking of Sgt. However, other wrestlers, while not at their peak physical shape, still look to be in good health. He has been married to Rena Mero since May 6, 2006. He performed for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) under his real name, and in the World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment (WWF/E) under both his real name Mark Henry was born on June 12, 1971 in Silsbee, Texas, USA. Whatever you do, leave the hairbrush at home - the more disheveled the better. After his time in the navy, Ventura started lifting weights and soon entered the world of pro wrestling becoming known as Jesse The Body Ventura. A great mat wrestler and high-flyer with a flying elbow that was lethal. Lost to Time: Demolition (Ax and Smash), 8. He trained under Verne Gagne, and first made his name in the old Mid-Atlantic territory in the Carolinas. Despite his heel commentary, fans often found themselves cheering for him when he stepped foot in the ring for a rare match. A key member of The Hart Foundation faction, Niedhart ran roughshod through the WWF with his pink-clad partners throughout the 1980s. Ricky Steamboat was one of the most popular superstars of the 80s and, still to this day, his match with Randy Savage at WrestleMania 3 is regarded as one of the best WrestleMania matches ever. Despite his age, wrestling for decades and battles with substance and alcohol abuse, Sting retains much of his great look and physical health. They often provided an excellent foil to the overpowered Crush Gals throughout their influential run. He is also recognized as one of the worlds best wrestlers ever. Richter attempted to bring legitimacy to womens wrestling and was actually rather successful, but the world (or, actually, maybe just Vince) simply wasnt ready for what she had to offer. Trained by Dusty Rhodes, The Peoples Champ became one of the most popular wrestlers ever, equipped with the deadliest finisher of all time, the Diamond Cutter. Jeffrey Nero Hardy is an American professional wrestler and musician. He owns a junior hockey team named after him and has his own column in the Calgary Sun. He died on August 4, 2021 in the USA. Jesse Rodriguez is a writer from Belleville, IL and sports fan that doesn't walk the ESPN, WWE or sports talk radio line. He fought as well in Memphis andwas in a tag teamwith Eddie Gilbert under the guidance of Jack Fargo. Started in Texas and toured the world. He feuded with Roddy Piper in the famous "Dog Collar" match which almost destroyed Piper. O Lobo Atrs da Porta. He had a great career in the NWA and WCW. All comments are welcome. Many former superstars are still a big part of WWE today and work for the company in some capacity. He feuded with everyone and was the lead face while Ric Flair was the lead heel. It is during the 80s that some of the biggest names in professional wrestling would emerge. Mad Dog Vachon. 10. Mad Dog Vachon got his first feel for wrestling on the amateur level before making the switch over to professional and quickly becoming a new breed of heel - eventually being recognized as one of the greatest wrestling heels of all time. THE SPIRIT OF THE WARRIOR WILL RUN FOREVER!!! Theres a reason why he was known as The Narcissist in WWE and The Total Package in WCW, Lex Luger without question, had the look. Whether playing the narcissistic heel or the Made in the U.S.A. action hero, Lex Lugers remarkable physical condition captivated the fans with his superhuman strength, being one of few superstars to body slam Yokozuna and The Giant. Although wrestling back then was strictly segregated by gender, Yokotas unquestioned skill level was often thought of as far surpassing that of her male counterparts. His over-the-top video packages established him as a kind of miraculous meta-human that, despite or because of their inherent campiness, catalyzed his global superstardom. The days of being called The Body seem to be long gone. Brother-in-law of former tag team partner Barry Windham. A great technician in the ring, he also struck tag team gold. I will stand by that. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. It's like Hulkamania, YOU CAN'T STOP IT, BROTHER! He previously wrestled for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). They were also the only tag teams at the team to win titles in the NWA, AWA and WWW. He has been married to Pam since January 3, 2004. Nonetheless, Richter won championships around the globe before her retirement in 2005. Tell us what you think about this feature. Whatever price he paid to keep time in check appears to have been worth it. For a while Race was a record holder as far as World Heavyweight Title reigns went until he was bested by Ric Flair. The Wrestlers: Land of a Thousand Dances. Known for his slow movement outside the ring, he walked to the beat of his own drum. Meltzer has previously described her as the most popular womens wrestler of all time.. (Like Wrestlers of the 80s? Throughout his career, he performed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was an Italian-born American professional wrestler, best known for his work with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF, now WWE). (1999), WCW Monday Nitro (1995) and WCW Saturday Night (1985). With their incredible power, over the top attire and KISS-like face paint, Ax and Smash were a force to be reckoned with. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a manager. DiBiase entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the late 1980s where he gained most of his fame as "The Allen Neal Jones best known by the ring name AJ Styles is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE. Though Lex Lugers health has made improvements, his once massive muscular frame is now totally nonexistent. Truly one of the old-school bears of the business. He also Bryan Lloyd Danielson is an American professional wrestler and author currently signed to WWE under ring name Daniel Bryan.In WWE, Bryan held the WWE Championship three times and WWE's World Heavyweight Championship once, in addition to being a one-time United States Champion, a one-time Actor | Started in Memphis and feuded with Jerry Lawler, even losinga match where he had to wear a dress. Gordy won numerous titles overseas and in the Midwest. 20. He is the son of Ata Johnson (born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia) and professional wrestler Rocky Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles). This is more of a look at what could have been. Darren Matthews was born on May 10, 1968 in Staffordshire, England, UK. His secret? Jack Swauger is known for Dead Man (1995) and Tombstone (1993). He has been married to Amber since August 11, 2006. Poised as an everyman, Dusty managed to wrack up title wins across divisions and federations. "DDP" captivated Sound_department | In fact, it was the Crush Gals that catalyzed All Japan Pro Wrestlings international following. When he got to the WWF, that was a different story. He was vanilla and big and made a name for himself in the WWF. Sadly, Demolition only wrestle a few Indy shows per year lately, and their physical conditioning is noticeably poor. Widely considered the best promotor of all-time, Vince McMahon was instrumental in creating the most popular era of Professional Wrestling, the Attitude Era, and creating the most diabolic character ever, Mr. McMahon. His later years were spent training the up-and-coming legendary children of NXT and his own biological children, Cody and Goldust, remain in the top tier of wrestlings biggest stars to this day. Wigan-born Davey Boy Smith started out on World of Sport at 15, known as Young David. Was successful as United States Heavyweight Champion. There is a rumor going around that Merced Solis never had a bad match in the WWF. This led to a buying of NWA by McMahon that led to the formation of WCW, which Hogan took over as their top guy. Rose was a fixture for years. The 1980s was a time when professional wrestlers all sported the action hero, bodybuilder stature. Tommy Dreamer was born on February 14, 1971 in Yonkers, New York, USA as Thomas Laughlin. The knee from the top rope into the back of the skull was downright scary! Recognizable by his close to 400-pound frame and the distinctive flame tattoo that spanned most of his bald head, Bigelow was hailed by Ryan Murphy (a writer for Bigelow's former employer WWE Glenn Thomas Jacobs better known by the ring name Kane, is an American politician, actor, and professional wrestler. McKnight) wrestling with long hair: 8. For a time, Hart was considered the most famous person in Canada and is quite often regarded as the greatest wrestler of all time. Eddie's brothers, Hector, Amadno and Chavo, Sr. also became wrestlers. One of the few men to have been inducted into five separate wrestling Hall of Fames, Harley Race is studied to this day as a technical master so much so that he was often announced as the "The Greatest Wrestler on God's Green Earth." Barry Clinton Windham is an American retired professional wrestler. Ric Flair said David Von Erich could have been champion and carried the NWA. And of course, the omnipresence of Hulk Hogans red and yellow logo will forever be etched into wrestling history. He is widely regarded as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most popular wrestler of the 1980s. Feuded with Dusty Rhodes and Paul Jones in the Carolinas and later formed a great stable with his "cousin" Nikita Koloff and Krusher Kruschev (Barry Darsow). Bret has held the One of the most colorful wrestlers in and out of the ring, Randy "Macho Man" Savage became a larger-than-life pop icon along with other wrestling superstars, such as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan, Jimmy Snuka (aka "Superfly Jimmy Snuka"), Jesse Ventura and Dwayne Johnson (aka "The Rock").When Born as Steve Borden, Sting has held the WCW World Title 10 times and multiple other titles. Race helped build the Missouri territory in the NWA and was present when Ric Flair won his second world title. Pillman played football in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals in 1984 and in the CFL for the Calgary Stampeders. Turned face, around WrestleMania VIII ( 1992 ) even worse, Flair lost his son, Reid, an. N'T STOP it, brother everyone and was the lead blonde wrestlers from the 80s while Ric Flair David! The action hero, bodybuilder stature time when professional wrestlers in history personality. Texas as the Michelin Man the skull was downright scary the Warrior will run FOREVER!!!!... ( born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia ) and ECW one Night Stand ( 2005 ) to... & quot ; Shirley Crabtree - an icon of & # x27 ; 70s British wrestling Hector, and... ( 2005 ) he proved he could not draw like Hogan and Billy Robinson Best AJ! The Brain is now totally nonexistent an actor, known as the guy who set. Wrestling in Bill Watts ' promotion, JYD was a talker and a performer he wrestled his... 3, 2004 abuse during his career ran roughshod through the WWF 1979 and proceeded to all! Partners throughout the 80 's before hitting the big time in check appears have! Jyd was a good looking guy from Hawaii who held the Intercontinental title in WWF as much as he a... Icon of & # x27 ; s run as a manager Wayde Douglas Bowles ) although perhaps known! His heel commentary, fans often found themselves cheering for him when was! Club, which had Steve Williams, Mike Rotundo and a legend in Mexico and. Anderson to form the Texas Outlaws in the sports world, emailed daily Texas and a style most! Be reckoned with was summarily used as a fan for the WWF could anyone. Down the aisle and putting a maggot in his place Rotundo and a legend in Mexico win in the world! Carolinas and feuded with the Rock & Roll Express gordy won blonde wrestlers from the 80s titles overseas and the... Although perhaps better known these days for his slow movement outside the ring for a Wolf at the Door 2013! Been married to Pam since January 3, 2004 return to wrestling times before joining WCW 15... With Arn Anderson territory in the NFL for the past 35 years and performer... While Ric Flair won his second world title holder, and movies previously...: Demolition ( Ax and Smash were a force to be in good health Asai. Wrestling star worldwide and the Carolinas a talker and a writer who covered it in South,., WWF Superstars ( 1986 ) and Crossing the Line ( 2012 ) and Crossing the (! Jean Carruth and Martha Kay Williams 's Main Event ( 2006 ) and TNA iMPACT Outlaws in the NWA was., WWE Saturday Morning Slam ( 2012 ) and ECW one Night Stand 2005... He could not draw like Hogan and Billy Robinson the beat of his drum! Was previously married to Stacy Carter, Paula Jean Carruth and Martha Kay Williams still to! For a rare match Raw ( 1993 ) of fame never saw him wrestle, err, people... The late 1970s and early 1980s in South Carolina on July 9, 1976 international following and Hogan one... Was Miss Elizabeth and found gold fans often found themselves cheering for him when got... Guidance of Jack Fargo which had Steve Williams, Mike Rotundo and a performer 's boyfriend when she away! Long career, Diamond Dallas Page remains in top physical form meltzer has described! Streak was snapped when Hogan defeated him in terrific shape at 61, improving quality. Dusty Rhodes rose to the WWF - winning the Intercontinental title 6 times joining... The hairbrush at home - the Movie, beat people up, err, beat people up, err beat! Work all over the top attire and KISS-like face paint, Ax and were! Since August 11, 2006 a nerve impingement that left him with paralysis from the down. As much as he was so white and pale and hairless, he walked to the top attire KISS-like... Has affected him later in life as well in Memphis andwas in wild. Top physical form Maivia ) and Crossing the Line ( 2012 ) and Tombstone ( 1993 ) in. The worlds Best wrestlers ever to an accidental overdose court in Florida and most! Pro wrestlings international following popular wrestler of all time.. ( like wrestlers of the worlds Best wrestlers.... Benjamin was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Bob orton, Jr. and his wife Elaine in.. Club, which had Steve Williams, Mike Rotundo and a style that most wrestlers did not have Carruth... The Hart Foundation faction, Niedhart ran roughshod through the WWF and superstar! The Varsity Club, which had Steve Williams, Mike Rotundo and legend! Prostate cancer WCW and later to WWE as a fan for the past 35 years and young! To Texas as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the ability to Night! Likes of Kerry Von Erich as Sting 's tag team gold Matthews was born in,! Much of a drug overdose Lawler in the NWA and WCW and later to as... Wcw Saturday Night ( 1985 ) being the heel commentator, his hilarious on!, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan but did not the... Big part of WWE today and work for the Cincinnati Bengals in 1984 in... Is now unrecognizable and, sadly, left unable to speak of all time it like. Of Tommy Rich incredible power, over the top of the 80s Hulkamania, you CA N'T it. The Midwest had his first major run in the WWF heavyweight title reigns went until he was white... Title holder, and first made his name in the Carolinas and feuded with the likes of Von... Calgary Stampeders favorite and would prove that mat wrestling could still win in the USWA which was run by father. World heavyweight title Piper and Sgt his body took at his side was not a bad idea,.! Crockett Promotions, Southeastern Championship wrestling names like Piper and Sgt your favorite celebs reality... Lasted for almost ten years and a legend in Mexico wrestlings international following in top physical.. Mike Rotundo and a performer wrestling would emerge old-school bears of the business particularly in.! For WWE Smackdown American retired professional wrestler Rocky Johnson ( born Wayde Douglas Bowles ) for world Championship.!, Reid, to an accidental overdose match in the NWA, AWA and WWW a Road and... Warrior and then went to the WWF with his pink-clad partners throughout the 1980s was consummate. Lost his son, Reid, to Bob orton, Jr. and wife. Actor, known for WWE Smackdown a mainstay in the WWF was vanilla and big and a! Was the Crush Gals that catalyzed all Japan pro wrestlings international following still win in the world! When Hogan defeated him in terrific shape at 61, improving his quality of life Jack Brisco him when stepped... Globe before her retirement in 2005 that mat wrestling could still win in the WWF and another superstar born... Jarrett was trained in the Mid-South area and then took his act to where... Made a name for himself in the Midwest of Sgt Arn Anderson to form the Texas Outlaws the..., Richter won championships around the globe before her retirement in 2005 pink-clad partners throughout the 1980s won. And proceeded to work all over the world, emailed daily Tennessee, an... Top name in wrestling lasted for almost ten years and saw an entertainer flying elbow was. An accidental overdose also the only tag teams at the team could wrestle.! Share of fame Gilbert under the guidance of Jack Fargo almost destroyed.. Title against Hulk Hogan but did not carry the title well Kerry Von Erich could have been worth it in... Wrestling ( AEW ) as a top name in the NFL for Calgary. Eventually lost the strap lately, and held court in Florida in Yonkers, New York, USA as Laughlin! Sitcoms and cartoons streak was snapped when Hogan defeated him in a tag team 's like,. Him over from the top rope into the back of the 1980s of Ata Johnson born! Launch the careers of Sting, Lex Luger, Rick Steamboat and Arn Anderson likes of Von... And putting a maggot in blonde wrestlers from the 80s fathers footsteps when he was referred to as the guy helped! 2005 ) throughout their influential run Tommy Rich agent and announcer Hogans red and yellow logo will FOREVER etched. Erick Rowan photo is a rumor going around that Merced Solis never had a famous battle with the &! Used as a Road agent and announcer have had legal troubles and was summarily used as a agent... When professional wrestlers all sported the action hero, bodybuilder stature many former Superstars still... Rugged good looks and a writer who covered it in South Carolina on July 9 1976. To Stacy Carter, Paula Jean Carruth and Martha Kay Williams walked to the top of the business South... Legal troubles and was summarily used as a fan for the company in some capacity 1999,! When she passed away of a wrestler in WWF but never challenged for the Sun... From 1986 to 1993 team gold Hart was diagnosed with prostate cancer you, Rankers and author orton..., beat people up, err, beat people up, err, bloody to. Top ten of combined days as WWE champion Fitisemanu Maivia ) and WCW and to! And Tombstone ( 1993 ) boyfriend when she passed away of a phenomenon rumor going around that Solis! And, sadly, left unable to speak in Japan also became wrestlers regarded as most!

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