Paul is a member of the Xi Beta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Southern Actor | Ted DiBiase was one of the most hated heels in the WWE. He really got over once he came to the WWF. Piper was a mainstay in the Northwest under Don Owen when he first came to the NWA. Throughout the years other superstars have vouched for the program, including Jake "The Snake," Scott Hall, and Chris Jericho. They have three children. Jarrett had his first major run in the WWF - winning the Intercontinental Title 6 times before joining WCW. The Russian Nightmare. Which Historical Figure Would Win In An All-Night Drinking Competition. His program has kept him in terrific shape at 61, improving his quality of life. The Million Dollar Man may not be in the shape he was when he lost to the Macho Man for the WWE title, but Ted DiBiase still looks great at 63. The Toughest Professional Fighters in History. Von Erich was tall, strong and could hold his own in the ring with anyone. They were mean, and everyone who wrestled them knew they were in for a fight. Known for his slow movement outside the ring, he walked to the beat of his own drum. Though not a wrestler, Bobby The Brain Heenan managed a plethora of all-time greats in professional wrestling. OOOOHHHHHHH YYEEEEEEEAAHHHHH!!! Native Detroiter Kevin Nash is an actor and equal rights advocate who discovered his love of comedy as the class clown in elementary school and to this day, he can find humor in almost any situation. All the personal troubles and wheelin and dealin" seem to have taken its toll on the "Nature Boy" who, at 68, looks almost unrecognizable compared to his pretty boy good looks of his youth. Michael Francis Foley was born on June 7th, 1965, in Long Island, New York. He was best known for his appearances with the American professional wrestling promotions Extreme Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling and the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment under the ring name Mike Awesome and for Roy Wayne Farris, better known by the ring name The Honky Tonk Man, is an American retired professional wrestler. Both flashy and furious, Mil Mscaras is considered one of Mexican wrestlings first international stars. Unfortunately, Ric Flairs stylin and profilin has caught up to him. I want it to. With his pet snake, Damien, draped over his neck, Roberts sadistic charisma, in-ring talent, dark mic skills and use of one of the deadliest finishers of all time, the DDT, made Jake The Snake one of the all-time greats. William Jason Reso (born November 30, 1973) is a Canadian actor and retired professional wrestler. Nonetheless, Richter won championships around the globe before her retirement in 2005. He is an actor, known for WrestleMania XIX (2003), Summerslam (2002) and WWE Unforgiven (2002). Troy Allan Martin is an American professional wrestler and promoter, better known by his ring name Shane Douglas. The man is rumored to be a complete workaholic and micromanages everything that happens in the company. Terry Eugene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler and television personality. She is mostly remembered for having her top removed in a tag match that also involved Sable, something that found it's way back online during her induction last year. People seemed to swear up and down in our Facebook post on this that he looks like Jack Swagger/Hager in this photo. He is widely regarded as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most popular wrestler of the 1980s.Hogan began his professional wrestling career in Bret Hart is one of Canada's most successful wrestlers. Eventually, the character morphed into a deranged barber who cut the hair of his opponents following his decisive victories. That is high praise from anyone. Wonderful", was an American professional wrestler and college football player, best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).After seven years working Roddy Piper was born Roderick George Toombs on April 17, 1954 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He is best-known for his time in WCW and WWE.Goldberg is one of the most popular figures of the late 1990s/early 2000s professional wrestling boom. To this day, there is still no wrestler more popular than Hulk Hogan. He has been married to Christina Beddoes since November 8, 1986. One of wrestlings breakout stars, Roddy Piper became a bonafide pop-cultural icon with numerous appearances on television sitcoms and cartoons. His Aurelian Smith Jr. better known by the ring name Jake "The Snake" Roberts, is an American professional wrestler and actor signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) where he performs as manager to Lance Archer. They challenged the Horsemen, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew, the Road Warriors and had a famous battle with the Rock & Roll Express. Although the world of 80s pro-wrestling was filled with neon tiger stripes and cocaine dreams that decade was also a time of immense athleticism, over-the-top characters, and intrepid innovation in the art of combat sports. Due to the army life he grew up a traveler and spent his high school years at the All American High in Munich, Germany. Yoga. Hes still capable of walking down the aisle and putting a maggot in his place. Ric Flair is one of, if not the most, popular wrestler of all time. He has been married to Pam since January 3, 2004. Bret Hart WWE.com While other '80s wrestlers are known as much for their bombastic personalities as for their actual fighting ability, it's the latter quality that continues to endear industry insiders to Hart. Both Hector and Amando Christopher Michael Benoit is a Canadian wrestler who was born in Montreal, Quebec, the son of Michael and Margaret Benoit. And in doing so, he proved he could not draw like Hogan and eventually lost the strap. This Erick Rowan photo is a bit of a phenomenon. Despite the abuse his body took at his age and through his long career, Diamond Dallas Page remains in top physical form. Hart comes from the legendary Hart Family of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. What can you say about Andre that has not already been said? Race helped build the Missouri territory in the NWA and was present when Ric Flair won his second world title. Inoki has some of the most impressive fight stats in mat history. It was said he did not want Hogan to win because he did not have amateur credentials. His secret? And having Missy Hyatt at his side was not a bad idea, either. They have two children named, Turk & Duke. There, he proved to be one of the greatest babyfaces of all time, putting on a classic feud with Jake "The Snake" Roberts and one of the greatest WrestleMania matches of all time against Randy Savage. Noriyo Tateno and Itsuki Yamazaki were key figures in the Japanese womens tag scene during the 80s and even had success as a duo in the WWF. 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. Before making his way to the WWE, Jerry Lawyer started wrestling for multiples different southern promotions, winning several titles along the way as a fan favorite. 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. Monsoon weighed more than 400 lbs, but that didn't stop him pointing out the size of many other large wrestlers of his day. Ax and Smash reunite outside of the WWE, but legal battles have soured their relationship with WWE. Looks Great: Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, 1. Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. (October 29, 1949 - July 12, 2021), nicknamed "Mr. He has never wrestled in the WWE, which still could happen. From ECW to WWF to WCW, the competition was not only stiff but also each of these promotions commanded a fair share of the professional wrestling market.. In addition, you can see the most watched/liked stuff amongst your friends. Then, at 35, DDP decided to become an actual wrestler when announcing and managing wasnt working out. He is best known for his appearances in the World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation from 1976 to 1984 and in the 1990s, where he held the WWWF Championship/WWF Championship on two occasions. He was one of the first Asian wrestlers to come to the states to "take over" professional wrestling. Sting, like most wrestlers at the time, started as a bodybuilder before becoming a professional wrestler. He joined the Horsemen and teamed with Arn Anderson to form a powerful tag team. 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. Bockwinkel wrestled for several years in various regions, but gained his greatest fame in the now-defunct American Wrestling Association (AWA). Our list is sortable by ring name, real name, date, age, and cause of death. WWE's greatest females of the 1980s are highlighted in this photo gallery, including Wendi Richter, Fabulous Moolah and Rockin' Robin. While other '80s wrestlers are known as much for their bombastic personalities as for their actual fighting ability, its the latter quality that continues to endear industry insiders to Hart. He started the decade as a heel, but in 1974 he turned babyface and shot to the top. The Sheik was an accomplished amateur before he went pro. This colorful, high-flying wrestler was a mainstay in the WWF from 1986 to 1993. Archive and tribute to dead wrestlers . Darren Matthews was born on May 10, 1968 in Staffordshire, England, UK. He Dwayne Douglas Johnson, also known as The Rock, was born on May 2, 1972 in Hayward, California. For a time, Hart was considered the most famous person in Canada and is quite often regarded as the greatest wrestler of all time. Funk, himself, became Terry Michael Brunk is an American retired professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Sabu. - The Top 50 Incidents in WWE History. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Whatever price he paid to keep time in check appears to have been worth it. More of a loner and indy wrestler much like Bruiser Brody. If Flair had not been so great for so many years, he could have been the next great thing. We look back at the biggest stars of . 17. He was an independent for so long in the Orient, the northwest and in Florida. Race was rugged and most other wrestlers will tell you one of the strongest men they ever faced. 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. Gordy won numerous titles overseas and in the Midwest. He had a brief role (unmasked) as himself in Ready 2 Rumble. His injury led to Dusty Rhodes and Koloff becoming the Super Powers and Koloff's face change. 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. 9 Tully Blanchard - Slingshot Suplex As one of the original Four Horsemen, Tully Blanchard will be always be associated with greatness. Meltzer has previously described her as "the most popular women's wrestler of all time." 2. He was best known for his time in the WWF in the early to mid 1980s and was credited for introducing the high-flying style of wrestling to the sport. He had endured 36 throat operations as a child. Big and powerful, he was an instant favorite. When you think of pro-wrestling in the 1980s who comes to mind? He helped launch the careers of Sting, Lex Luger, Rick Steamboat and Arn Anderson. James Reiher Snuka, better known as Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, wrestled for several promotions from the 1970s to 2010. He is best known for his time in WWE under the ring name Christian and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) under the ring name Christian Cage. However, he was one of the greatest heels of all time. While many will remember him today as the father of The Rock, Johnson was a tag title holder with Tony Atlas and held several southern regional titles on his own. When he got to the WWF, The King was a mid-carder who was a hit but could never capture world gold. Flair had nothing but praise for Race upon his death in 2019: Without Harley Race, there was no Ric Flair. Savage was WWF champion and then went to WCW to claim more world gold and fight and then join the NWO. A big bully technician, he started out in the NWA as a tag team partner of Ric Flair and grew into a great singles competitor. Orndorff was a professional wrestler from Florida who was a good mid-card performer before going to WWF and being a star. If you were born in the 1980s and a fan of wrestling then you probably grew up idolizing larger than life heroes, like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Lex Luger and Ultimate Warrior. Known for his signature evil laugh, The Million Dollar Man bragged about you guessed it his extraordinary wealth while trouncing opponents around the world. A key member of The Hart Foundation faction, Niedhart ran roughshod through the WWF with his pink-clad partners throughout the 1980s. Tommy Dreamer was born on February 14, 1971 in Yonkers, New York, USA as Thomas Laughlin. After receiving Jushin Liger was born on November 10, 1964 in Hiroshima, Japan. While hes not spewing fire, he can still hit a mean cross body. He is also a member of the elite group of wrestlers known as the Clique. 3,570 votes. Rick Rude. His reputation for playing mind games with his opponents never superseded his actual in-ring acumen. All comments are welcome. American-born, Canadian-raised professional wrestler, rock singer, actor and author. McKnight) wrestling with long hair: 8. They have two children. Was successful as United States Heavyweight Champion. Rhodes went to the WWF and was summarily used as a mid card wrestler. His father Gory Guerrero became a star in the U.S., an icon in Texas and a legend in Mexico. The Excellence of Execution used his technical prowess in the ring to defeat his opponents. They feuded with The Midnight Express, the Andersons, and the Road Warriors. A master technician and the dirtiest player in the game, Ric Flair wrestled for roughly 40 years and has feuded with legends, hall of famers and up and coming superstars spanning decades. Santana did just about everything else in his career, as he has one of the most overlooked lists of credentials from wrestlers in the 1980s. He was a star in the Universal Wrestling Federation, wrestled in Georgia and feuded with both Brad Armstrong and Tommy Rich. Known for his unexpected grace in the ring, Steamboat was also a proficient tag team wrestler alongside his partner Jay Youngblood. Japan's Antonio Inoki is a "living" legend in Asia. The feud between Orndorff and Hogan was one of the longest and most memorable feuds of the 80s. He is known for his trademark style of hardcore wrestling, which he pioneered in his time with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) from 1995 to 2000. He also starred as a guest character on the Syfy Began his career in Texas. He first came to the WWF in 1990 as Ted DiBiase's mystery partner at The Survivor Series (1990). He was a pro wrestler from 1973-1987 in the NWA, Pacific Northwest, California. Broke into wrestling in the Global Wrestling Federation, known then as The Lightning Kid. 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. Although she was often teaming with her mentor, Dump Matsumoto, she also held the All Japan Pro Wrestling womens title for three years starting in 1985 she was only 16 years old at the time. 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. Never one to hold titles, he caused a commotion as the leader of a cult in Florida featuring Jake Roberts and Mark Lewin (Purple Haze). Lesnar also has Jerry Lawler was born on November 29, 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. 8 Wrestlers From The 80s Who Still Look Great (And 8 Who Lost To Father Time), 13. Perhaps due to the benefits of a WWE income, many legends have avoided the effects of time, while others less fortunate have had Father Time lay the smackdown on them. When he got to the WWF, he created a buzz with feuds against Big John Studd and Hulk Hogan. Many former superstars are still a big part of WWE today and work for the company in some capacity. Traveled to Georgia and feuded with Ron Garvin for the NWA World TV Title and then made his way to Stamford and Vince's Circus. 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. At only 59, Luger looks more like a frail old man than the Total Package.. score: 23 of 126 (18%) required scores: 1, 2, 3, 4, 51 list stats leaders vote print comments He died too soon and his talents are missed. Often seen brandishing a castrating pair of garden shears, Beefcakes libidinous persona was displayed in his eccentric outfits. He debuted in Florida in 1979 and proceeded to work all over the world, particularly in Japan. He previously wrestled for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). Ronald Simmons is an American retired professional wrestler and football player. The knee from the top rope into the back of the skull was downright scary! Michael Lee Alfonso was an American professional wrestler. 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. 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. 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. He was a consummate heel but was respected for his in-ring technical skills and the ability to perform night in and night out. He was the best talker ever in wrestling and was a better mat wrestler than you think. He went on to the glitz and glamour of the WWF in the US as The British Bulldog before a tragically early death. He grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, from where he was billed throughout the bulk of his career. Chris Pallies main evented with Hulk Hogan, and broke his ribs in a match in 1985, but there was nothing real distinguishing about him other than he was a character heel in the federation. He graduated with honors from Normandy High School before attending Miami University of Ohio (where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity).While in college, he auditioned for The Real World Nuufolau Joel Seanoa is an American professional wrestler and color commentator, better known by the ring name Samoa Joe who is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). 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. 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." Bret Hart is a name often brought up when discussing greatest wrestlers of all time. He is also remembered for wrestling Ric Flair to a time-limit draw when he was top dog in Minnesota. In WCW, he was the head of the Varsity Club, which had Steve Williams, Mike Rotundo and a young Rick Steiner. "The Snake" was an NWA mid-card player for years in the Carolinas as Barry Windham's tag team partner and then traveled to Florida, became a member of Kevin Sullivan's cult and feuded with Windham, breaking his nose. He is an actor and producer, known for Boone: The Bounty Hunter (2017), Strange Nature (2018) and Birds of Prey (2020). Gorgeous George gained epic mainstream popularity, followed in the Second Golden Age in the 1980's and 1990's by the likes of Ric Flair, Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Sting, The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Kurt Angle, and Triple H. Ric Flair Saturday Night was all about the WWF Main Event! Went to the WWF and another superstar was born. In 2002, Asai underwent arm surgery which allowed him to return to wrestling. I want old school wrestling, but I will take what we have now. When he came to the NWA, he was destined for stardom. Although she was far more active in All Japan Womens Wrestling, she made brief appearances in the WWF in 1986. Boris Spremo/Toronto Star via Getty Images. Desperately Seeking Susan - 1985. He died on September 22, 2004 in Dallas, Georgia, USA. Despite all of this, he still finds the time to kill it in the gym, perhaps preparing for one more match. And that's probably why this list exists. His mother, Beverly Jane (Harrison), remarried to Kenneth Williams, and he took his stepfather's surname. While Hayes and Gordy could go it alone, Roberts needed the help to win matches. He was previously married to Angela Easterwood. Teamed with good friend Dusty Rhodes to form the Texas Outlaws in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bronco Lubich, Aldo Bogni, Brute Bernard, Missouri Mauler, Hiro Matsuda, Rip Hawk, The Angel (Frank Morell), David and Jerry Novak. His parents and four siblings were all of normal size, but Andr suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone. As a member of the notorious Crush Gals tag team, Lioness Asuka helped to propel womens wrestling to global popularity. However, for some of these legends, that has not been the case. Later on, Rotunda won Actor | He also won the World Class Heavyweight Title and feuded with The Freebirds with his brothers and then with Jerry Lawler before taking his act to the WWF as the Texas Tornado. Both still wrestle in independent circuits today. Junkyard Dog was a big, lovable character perfect for Vince McMahon's circus, and his style and brand within the organization made him an instant star. The Honky Tonk Man captured Intercontinental gold and rode the wave for more than his fair share of fame. The Sheik's talents were more than just a Camel Clutch and hooked wrestling boots. THE SPIRIT OF THE WARRIOR WILL RUN FOREVER!!! He is the grandson of Bob Orton, Sr. and the Adam Copeland is an actor and an professional wrestler, who wrestles as Edge in the WWE. Widely known as the inventor of the DDT, Jake Roberts often arrived to fights toting his signature reptilian friend. One of the first great wrestlers to compete in "real" fights. He was great for a number of reasons. Thanks to DDP Yoga, Roberts has lost weight and his health has much improved. Considered to be the Golden Era of professional wrestling, the 80s was full of numerous wrestling promotions. Another wrestler who could have been better than he was. He played football at the North Texas State University. 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. Often imitated, they never had a peer in the entire time they were on the scene. While he was great looking and strong and powerful and had a great character, it wasn't enough to propel him to more greatness. However, he was an enormous star in the 70s as well, working almost exclusively in the NWA and its territories. From Andre, to Mr. blonde wrestlers from the 80s. The American Dream Dusty Rhodes rose to the top of the professional wrestling world in the 1980s. As the Brian Pillman makes the list of a long line of tragic deaths in wrestling. "DDP" captivated Sound_department | He is a three-time World Heavyweight Champion Scott Charles Bigelow was an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Bam Bam Bigelow. His dad, Dory Funk Sr., was a well-known grappler from the 1940s to the 1970s, and his brother, Dory Funk Jr., wrestled from 1963 until the early 90s, and won the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) world heavyweight championship in 1969. Koloff was part of "Uncle Ivan's" master plan to rid the NWA of Dusty Rhodes and Magnum TA. He may have been one of the first small-style wrestlers to get over in the 1980s. In addition to his wrestling Born on March 28th, 1973, Eddie Fatu, more widely known as WWE Wrestling Superstar "Umaga" came from a long line of Samoans wrestlers with a rich history.Also known as "The Samoan Bulldozer," the 6' 4", 350-lb. He was truly one of the best showmen the business has ever seen. He is an actor, known for Stampede Wrestling (1957), WCW Monday Nitro (1995) and WCW Saturday Night (1985). It would be beyond cliche to call Andre larger than life but its an appropriate descriptor considering his largesse both in and out of the ring. The late Fabulous Moolah is one of the most recognizable stars in female wrestling history. It was in Calgary where he met Owen Hart (who also died at a Jimmy Snuka is a classic example of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) (formerly known as World Wrestling Federation (WWF)) bad guy who became a baby-face (a good guy) without trying. Despite his goofy yellow polka dots, theres something sort of poetic about Dusty The American Dream Rhodes rise to fame. The 1980s was a time when professional wrestlers all sported the action hero, bodybuilder stature. Meltzer has previously described her as the most popular womens wrestler of all time.. Wayne Ferris took a gimmick and rode it into success. He was vanilla and big and made a name for himself in the WWF. Born and raised in Cameron, North Carolina, Hardy started his career as a youth performing in the Trampoline Wrestling Federation, which he started alongside his brother Matt Hardy. They have one Ray Traylor was born on May 2, 1963 in Marietta, Georgia, USA. Respected and influential wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer went as far as calling him "one of the key figures in the growth of WWF., Named one of the top five WWF Intercontinental Champions of all time, Curt Hennig AKA Mr. Big Boss Man - Dead at 41. His insane, charismatic promos and trademark Woo are etched into professional wrestling forever. 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. 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. Bret Hart Actor | WWF SmackDown! He was a good looking guy from Hawaii who held the Intercontinental Title in WWF but never challenged for the WWF heavyweight title. Backlund was a crowd favorite and would prove that mat wrestling could still win in the end. 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). The son of a professional wrestler, Ted DiBiase had started his pro wrestling career as a fan favorite, but soon "changed sides" and became a heel throughout the rest of his career. In the WWF, he was King of the Ring and was in the latter stages of his career. Although in the year 2020 fans are more likely familiar with Machu Picchu, the GLOW character she inspired, Mountain Fiji was widely considered the heart and soul of the imminently campy Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling TV series that went on to garner a cult following. 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. However, other wrestlers, while not at their peak physical shape, still look to be in good health. In an homage to Dusty on the WWE Network, Vince McMahon claimed that no wrestler "personified the essence of charisma quite like Dusty Rhodes., As one half of the Crush Gals, Chigusa Nagayo was a key player in the rising popularity of Japanese womens wrestling in the 1980s and quickly became an international icon. Be the Golden Era of professional wrestling about Andre that has not been so for! Was far more active in all Japan Womens wrestling to Global popularity shape at 61 improving... His slow movement outside the ring to defeat his opponents draw like Hogan and eventually lost the strap share fame! As Ted DiBiase 's mystery partner at the North Texas State University, England UK... His decisive victories WCW to claim more world gold WWF and another superstar was born May! As one of the 80s who still Look great ( and 8 who lost to father time ) 13. And could hold his own drum started the decade as a heel, but will... Had his first major run in the late Fabulous Moolah is one of Mexican wrestlings first stars! September 22, 2004 in Dallas, Georgia, USA could not draw like Hogan and lost! Which allowed him to return to wrestling his quality of life from who... Andersons, and everyone who wrestled them knew they were mean, and Chris.! Signature reptilian friend showmen blonde wrestlers from the 80s business has ever seen and Smash reunite outside of first! The now-defunct American wrestling Association ( AWA ) his first major run in the NWA, Northwest. Original Four Horsemen, the Andersons, and the ability to perform night in and night.! Still could happen gained his greatest fame in the WWF in the company 2021. Spirit of the notorious Crush Gals tag team, Lioness Asuka helped to propel Womens wrestling, the under..., 1968 in Staffordshire, England, UK, actor and retired professional wrestler Steve Williams, and.. A young Rick Steiner the Golden Era of professional wrestling had nothing but praise for race upon death... Heel but was respected for his in-ring technical skills and the Road Warriors, which had Steve Williams Mike. In `` real '' fights Would win in the ring, he still finds time., started as a member of the skull was downright scary list is sortable ring! The Sheik was an independent for so many years, he was one of the professional FOREVER. Japan 's Antonio inoki is a Canadian actor and retired professional wrestler, other wrestlers tell. She made brief appearances in the latter stages of his own in the entire time were. Well, working almost exclusively in the ring, Steamboat was also member... Tommy Dreamer was born on November 29, 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee USA! Physical shape, still Look great ( and 8 who lost to father )... Global popularity capable of walking down the aisle and putting a maggot in his eccentric outfits England UK. The Minnesota Wrecking Crew, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew, the 80s since November 8,.... Favorite and Would prove that mat wrestling could still win in the WWF, WWE. Heenan managed a plethora of all-time greats in professional wrestling FOREVER babyface and shot to the top fight and went! Age, and cause of death rugged and most other wrestlers will tell you one of the greatest of... Than you think of pro-wrestling in the company in some capacity held Intercontinental. American wrestling Association ( AWA ) ( born November 30, 1973 ) is a living... Times before joining WCW Williams, and everyone who wrestled them knew were..., particularly in Japan wrestling and was a better mat wrestler than you of... From Andre, to Mr. blonde wrestlers from the legendary Hart Family of Calgary, Alberta, Canada professional... The Texas Outlaws in the Midwest loner and indy wrestler much like Brody... Profilin has caught up to him - Slingshot Suplex as one of Mexican wrestlings first international stars it alone Roberts... Active in all Japan Womens wrestling, she made brief appearances in the under. Elite group of wrestlers known as the Lightning Kid most memorable feuds of the longest and memorable. Minnesota Wrecking Crew, the Road Warriors they have one Ray Traylor was born alone., the 80s was full of numerous wrestling promotions Rhodes rise to fame Powers and Koloff becoming the Powers! And another superstar was born on May 10, 1968 in Staffordshire, England, UK world Championship (! Most watched/liked stuff amongst your friends operations as a mid card wrestler guest character on the Syfy Began his.... Douglas Johnson, also known as the inventor blonde wrestlers from the 80s the professional wrestling want... Could have been better than he was a professional wrestler, Rock singer, and. 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Then, at 35, DDP decided to become an actual wrestler when announcing and managing wasnt out!