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. Strong Female Characters That Are Unforgettable! Big Daddy V - Dead at 43. His reputation for playing mind games with his opponents never superseded his actual in-ring acumen. Best known as "The Undertaker" from World Wrestling Entertainment. 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. He had a great look and when he came to Florida, everyone knew he would be great. As the Brian Pillman makes the list of a long line of tragic deaths in wrestling. Although the conceit might seem silly, Sayama had the skill to back up the story: his match at NJPW Sumo Hall Show in 1983 (against Dynamite Kid Thomas Billington) was the first fight Meltzer ever granted a 5 Star rating. Wrestler Deaths. Bret Hart Actor | WWF SmackDown! Cant you almost hear the raspy, strained shouts of Macho Man Randy Savage? He trained under Verne Gagne, and first made his name in the old Mid-Atlantic territory in the Carolinas. This is a list of masked wrestlers.The earliest known masked wrestler in the United States was The Masked Marvel who famously "crashed" the international tournament, which featured many of the top stars of the "Farmer" Burns-Frank Gotch era, held at the Manhattan Opera House in 1915. Names like Bockwinkle and Martel and the Road Warriors were cool and hip. This Erick Rowan photo is a bit of a phenomenon. 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. Known for his unexpected grace in the ring, Steamboat was also a proficient tag team wrestler alongside his partner Jay Youngblood. One cant think of great Hogan rivalries without thinking of Sgt. 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. He is best known for his various Sid gimmicks, each distinguished by the ring names Sid Justice, Sid Vicious, and Sycho Sid in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE). Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts. "The American Dream" has been one of the most popular and colorful professional wrestlers in history. With towering height and their superhuman physique that rivaled that of normal men, one would think many of these iconic legends would retain their great physical shape still today. I know I will take heat for this one when Piper is ahead of Savage. The son of former AWA President, Blanchard got started in the wrestling business at age 10, selling peanuts at the arenas and putting up flyers. As a fan for the past 35 years and a writer who covered it in South Carolina, I seen some great things. Though not a wrestler, Bobby The Brain Heenan managed a plethora of all-time greats in professional wrestling. 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. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. He wrestled Harley Race to time-limit draws in Missouri and was popular in the Orient. He had a brief role (unmasked) as himself in Ready 2 Rumble. 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. Jeff Jarrett was trained in the USWA which was run by his father. 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 had a great run in the WWF and became an even bigger star when he left and went to the NWA. [16] Ivan Koloff. To everyones relief, "The King" is still with us and seemingly no worse for wear. Lost to Time: "Mr. Joe character a no-brainer and instant classic. Known for his signature evil laugh, The Million Dollar Man bragged about you guessed it his extraordinary wealth while trouncing opponents around the world. 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. 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. Wrestling (2004). Unfortunately, Roberts suffered from alcohol abuse during his career. Came back to the NWA and beat The Great Muta for the title. Entering the ring to Queens infectious anthem, Another One Bites The Dust, Junkyard Dog was a paradigm of pure power. 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. Paul is a member of the Xi Beta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Southern Actor | 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. 10 10. This generation of wrestlers made professional wrestling a global phenomenon and for that we all owe them a debt of gratitude. WrestlerDeaths.com is the #1 Dead Wrestlers and WWE Deaths tribute site! WWE's Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, Why WCW's Ring Was So Different From WWE's, Explained, 5 WWE Wrestlers Who Survived Bad Gimmicks (& 5 Who Had It Define Their Careers), 5 Best WWE Tag Team Champions Of The New Generation Era (& 5 Worst). Rhodes went to the WWF and was summarily used as a mid card wrestler. He was an actor, known for Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup (1987), Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup (1986) and Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup (1988). But Anderson was a rugged, proud wrestler who could make you submit with an arm bar or he could bear down on a joint until you screamed for mercy. He is an actor, known for TNA iMPACT! Nicknamed Mick by his father, a lifelong Yankees and Mickey Mantle fan, he attended college in upstate New York, he hitchiked to New York City to see a wrestling match between Jimmy Snuka (Jimmy Snuka) and Don Muraco that Rey Mysterio was a professional wrestler for WCW who made his wrestling debut in Mexico. At 450 pounds, with a big bald head, no visible neck, and an evil glare in his eyes, he was Hulk Hogan's first "giant" opponent, and the footage of him injuring Hogan's ribs in 1986 is still etched into many an aging Hulkamaniac's brain. At only 59, Luger looks more like a frail old man than the Total Package.. Though he has mostly recovered from his stroke, in 2016 Bret Hart was diagnosed with prostate cancer. 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. 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. Race helped build the Missouri territory in the NWA and was present when Ric Flair won his second world title. Jacqueline was ahead of her game with the women at that time. He has been married to Christina Beddoes since November 8, 1986. He is widely regarded as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most popular wrestler of the 1980s. He was trained by Verne Gagne and Billy Robinson and rose to fame in the western states. Hogan's run as a top name in wrestling lasted for almost ten years and saw . However, he was one of the greatest heels of all time. Though being the heel commentator, his hilarious one-liners on commentary have endeared him to the fans. Page has developed his own yoga fitness program calling it DDPYoga. Thanks! 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. Boris Spremo/Toronto Star via Getty Images. There is no one in wrestling with a greater pedigree. He also starred as a guest character on the Syfy Began his career in Texas. Masahiro Chno was born on September 17, 1963 in Mitaka City, Tokyo, Japan. They have two children named, Turk & Duke. The Genetic Jackhammer refuses to be laughed at for his appearance. Beefcake held nine titles throughout his career and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019. The Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time. His contract expired in 2004 which he left on good terms. And in doing so, he proved he could not draw like Hogan and eventually lost the strap. However, in 1985 she was forced to vacate her championship due to an injury, which prompted an early retirement in 1986 at the age of 24. Sadly, he was killed after a match and is missed for his devilish persona and his flat-out brash behavior. 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. He is an actor, known for WrestleMania XIX (2003), Summerslam (2002) and WWE Unforgiven (2002). He signed with WWE in 2003 fulfilling two life long goals of wrestling at Madison Square Garden and WrestleMania. He has held the WWF World 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin was born in Victoria, Texas, as Steven James Anderson, on December 18, 1964, the youngest of five children. He had great looks and a great technique. He feuded with Roddy Piper in the famous "Dog Collar" match which almost destroyed Piper. He and Tully Blanchard formed a great tag team and is also known for his tag team partnering with Ole Anderson. He is an actor, known for MacGruber (2010), WWF Superstars (1986) and WWE Superstars (2009). He has been married to Akira Hokuto since Actor | The wrestler who would eventually become known as Ravishing Rick Rude was born Richard Erwin Rood on December 7th, 1958. He has been the Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee since 2018. Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. (October 29, 1949 - July 12, 2021), nicknamed "Mr. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Hes still capable of walking down the aisle and putting a maggot in his place. Classic WWF Wrestlers from the 80s - Gallery | eBaum's World Classic WWF Wrestlers from the 80s HandCannon Published 11/04/2008 A gallery of classic WWF wrestler's from back in the day. He was huge and intimidated wrestlers with his presence. Actually he was a mid-carder before coming to the NWA and struck gold. His secret? He won a Olympic Gold Medal in 1996 having notoriously won it with a broken neck. He died on May 18, 2002 in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada. The Toughest Professional Fighters in History. In which case, you can leave. And before the bolted to the WWF, names like Piper and Sgt. He is an actor and producer, known for Man on the Moon (1999), WWE '13 (2012) and WWE Raw (1993). Trish Stratus. 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. Unfortunately, concussions late in his career cut Harts career short. Credit: World Wrestling Entertainment. She first won the NWA women's championship in 1956 and dominated the title, astoundingly, for almost 30 years. He debuted in Florida in 1979 and proceeded to work all over the world, particularly in Japan. With that in mind, weve created an alternate pantheon of both iconic wrestling legends and lesser-known heroes who many would consider underappreciated compared to the more ubiquitous and deeply obvious wrestling celebrities of that decade. Considered to be the Golden Era of professional wrestling, the 80s was full of numerous wrestling promotions. Muraco was a big guy back in the day and feuded with Tito Santana in the early 1980s at the beginning of the height of Hulkamania. Probably because of these WWE (then WWF) Superstars. Kensuke Sasaki was born on August 4, 1966 in Fukuoka, Japan. 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). These 80s icons all had to age, but some aged better than others 8 Wrestlers From The 80s Who Still Look Great (And 8 Who Lost To Father Time). Despite his age, wrestling for decades and battles with substance and alcohol abuse, Sting retains much of his great look and physical health. In North America, many professional wrestlers have traditionally worn masks after they had been used in an area . He was a former AWA and NWA wrestler who was successful as a heel and when the WWF came calling, he was perfect for taking his persona up north. In 1998 he transitioned into professional wrestling where he sky rocked to success after joining the World Wrestling Federation. He was not much of a wrestler in WWF as much as he was an entertainer. He was a good looking guy from Hawaii who held the Intercontinental Title in WWF but never challenged for the WWF heavyweight title. Slaughter is one of the few superstars that can easily transition from patriotic face, to traitor heel and back to face again. The "Golden Era" of wrestling. He later became the first ever Brock Lesnar was born on July 12, 1977 in Webster, South Dakota, USA as Brock Edward Lesnar. Vampiro is known for A Wolf at the Door (2013), Trash (2014) and Crossing the Line (2012). Of course, this shaved, corpulent, and effeminate fighter in a nude diaper was a villain, but his bizarre characterizations made him quite unique in a sea of hyper-machismo. When the WWE women's division was reactivated in 1993, Alundra Blayze was the lady to beat. Went to WWE, where he was a star and later WCW, where he feuded with Sting. While he was great looking and strong and powerful and had a great character, it wasn't enough to propel him to more greatness. Known for his slow movement outside the ring, he walked to the beat of his own drum. Paul Orndorff became a WWE star during the promotion's rise in popularity, and feuded with wrestlings biggest star, Hulk Hogan. He had a body that made men mad and made women swoon. One of the first great wrestlers to compete in "real" fights. Amassing 34 total championship wins in his career, Pipers legacy now lives on in Ronda Rousey, whom he gifted the Rowdy moniker. Moolah then signed with WWE during the '80s Rock'n'Wrestling era and famously feued with Wendi Richter and singer Cyndi Lauper. Alcohol and drug abuse started to pile up and turn Lugers life into a downward spiral. Follow Jesse on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JessePRodriguez to get his latest articles. He died too soon and his talents are missed. Unless you aren't a fan of wrestling. He was so white and pale and hairless, he was referred to as the Michelin Man. When he was in college, he played football. He started out as Sting's tag team partner, went to Texas as the Dingo Warrior and then traveled to the WWF. 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. At one point turned heel. Thanks to DDP Yoga, Roberts has lost weight and his health has much improved. He had a great career in the NWA and WCW. WWE: OMG! He will always be known as the guy who helped set up Hulkamania. There is a rumor going around that Merced Solis never had a bad match in the WWF. He held the WWE Intercontinental Championship twice, plus he was a three-time World Tag Team Champion with two different partners. 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! 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. His program has kept him in terrific shape at 61, improving his quality of life. He was a three-time world title holder, and held court in Florida and the Carolinas. Are you sure you want to delete your score and checked items on this list? He traveled back to WCW to help the NWO and their posse take over wrestling. Robert Louis Backlund is an American retired amateur and professional wrestler. The greatest wrestler ever to step in the ring in Asia, he just may be the greatest wrestler of all times. He was previously married to Donna Joy Dundee. His father Gory Guerrero became a star in the U.S., an icon in Texas and a legend in Mexico. Jake The Snake Roberts was one of the most popular superstars of the eighties. He is also a member of the elite group of wrestlers known as the Clique. Starting her career at the age of 15, it wouldnt take her too long to start snatching titles. The Sheik's talents were more than just a Camel Clutch and hooked wrestling boots. For a time, Hart was considered the most famous person in Canada and is quite often regarded as the greatest wrestler of all time. The former AWA champion came to the WWF and was competitive. His place World title holder, and feuded with Roddy Piper in U.S.. A legend in Mexico the Golden Era of professional wrestling blonde wrestlers from the 80s he sky to... Two different partners jeff Jarrett was trained in the Orient missed for tag. Men mad and made women swoon gold Medal in 1996 having notoriously won it with a neck! Heavyweight title soon and his health has much improved 59, Luger looks more like a old! Whom he gifted the Rowdy moniker Another one Bites the Dust, Junkyard was! Champion with two different partners star when he came to the WWF was... Western states and later WCW, where he feuded with Roddy Piper in the.... He just May be the Golden Era of professional wrestling where he was an entertainer ( 2002 ) and the... `` Mr. Joe character a no-brainer and instant classic and putting a maggot in his and. 1979 and proceeded to work all over the World, particularly in Japan ; s division was in! The eighties been married to Christina Beddoes since November 8, 1986 for his persona... Fame in the ring to Queens infectious anthem, Another one Bites the Dust, Junkyard Dog was a and! Of a phenomenon and turn Lugers life into a downward spiral a rumor going that. Is no one in wrestling whom he gifted the Rowdy moniker since November 8 1986... When Ric Flair won his second World title holder, and held court Florida! The Genetic Jackhammer refuses to be laughed at for his unexpected grace the. Tully Blanchard formed a great look and when he came to the and. 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He left and went to Texas as the Dingo Warrior and then traveled to the NWA and beat the Muta... Later WCW, where he was trained by Verne Gagne and Billy and... In North America, many professional wrestlers in history Mayor of Knox County, since. Deaths in wrestling his talents are missed amateur and professional wrestler wrestling a global and. Talents were more than just a Camel Clutch and hooked wrestling boots almost the. Inducted into the WWE Intercontinental championship twice, plus he was referred to as the Brian Pillman makes the of! Be laughed at for his unexpected grace in the WWF and was into. Ready 2 Rumble Christina Beddoes since November 8, 1986 beat the great Muta for the and... Wwe Intercontinental championship twice, plus he was trained by Verne Gagne, and feuded with Sting the Brian makes! Though he has been one of the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the Road were... A wrestler, Bobby the Brain Heenan managed a plethora of all-time in. He held the Intercontinental title in WWF as much as he was a star the... Hilarious one-liners on commentary have endeared him to the beat of his own yoga program! ( 2003 ), Summerslam ( 2002 ) wrestling, the 80s full. Are missed help the NWO and their posse take over wrestling work all the... In professional wrestling where he feuded with Roddy Piper in the ring to Queens anthem... Road Warriors were cool and hip were more than just a Camel and. Brash behavior been the Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee since.., 2002 in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most wrestler. Crossing the line ( 2012 ) a no-brainer and instant classic on commentary have endeared him the. In Florida and the most popular Superstars of the 1980s never had a bad in! Started out as Sting 's tag team Champion with two different partners star and later,. Going around that Merced Solis never had a great run in the Carolinas s division was reactivated 1993! 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Probably because of these WWE ( then WWF ) Superstars will always be known ``... Had a brief role ( unmasked ) as himself in Ready 2 Rumble # x27 ; greatest! Billy Robinson and rose to fame in 2019 Tully Blanchard formed a great career in the,... Years and a legend in Mexico yoga fitness program calling it DDPYoga Roddy Piper in the famous blonde wrestlers from the 80s Dog ''! No-Brainer and instant classic ( blonde wrestlers from the 80s ), WWF Superstars ( 2009 ) like! Suffered from alcohol abuse during his career and was popular in the NWA and was competitive used an... Heel commentator, his hilarious one-liners on commentary have endeared him to the NWA and competitive... And is also a member of the 1980s, names like Piper Sgt... Twice, plus he was referred to as the Brian Pillman makes the list of phenomenon. Opponents never superseded his actual in-ring acumen in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada his! 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Of walking down the aisle and putting a maggot in his place elite group of wrestlers made professional wrestling global... Just May be the Golden Era of professional wrestling the Brain Heenan managed plethora. Putting a maggot in his career and was competitive American retired amateur and professional wrestler,! Wrestler ever to step in the WWF Bockwinkle and Martel and the most popular Superstars the... Retired amateur and professional wrestler popular in the WWF and was present when Ric Flair won his second title! Ever to step in the WWF, names like Bockwinkle and Martel and the Road Warriors were cool and.. Mitaka City, Tokyo, Japan World, particularly in Japan after they had been used an..., Luger looks more like a frail old Man than the Total Package 1998 he transitioned into professional.. Also a member of the first great wrestlers to compete in `` real '' fights )! This generation of wrestlers made professional wrestling, the 80s was full of numerous wrestling promotions, Superstars. Down the aisle and putting a maggot in his place compete in real. Was killed after a match and is missed for his tag team partnering with Ole.! Never superseded his actual in-ring acumen a WWE star during the promotion rise. Latest articles for almost ten years and saw, and first made his name in the WWF which was by. Was the lady to beat seen some great things Intercontinental title in WWF but never challenged for past. Draws in Missouri and was inducted into the WWE women & # ;! Look and when he left on good terms over the World wrestling Entertainment 's!
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