Are you sure you want to delete your score and checked items on this list? 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. 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. Michael Francis Foley was born on June 7th, 1965, in Long Island, New York. 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. Held numerous tag titles in the NWA and WCW and was United States and National Heavyweight title champion as well. He had a great following in Puerto Rico and feuded with Carlos Colon and Bruiser Brody. Even worse, Flair lost his son, Reid, to an accidental overdose. 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 the son of the late wrestling legend Boris Malenko. 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. 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. O Lobo Atrs da Porta. Mullet Critique: Riveting. 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). Back in the 80s, McMahon was primarily an annoucner and it was never acknowledged that he was in fact the owner of the company. A great booker and script writer. 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. He wrestled for his father's promotion throughout the 80's before hitting the big time in the early 90's. 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. DiBiase ran rampant in NWA, NJPW, and WWF throughout the 80s and proved himself to be a paragon of in-ring excellence in each federation. 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). "The American Dream" has been one of the most popular and colorful professional wrestlers in history. He was a good looking guy from Hawaii who held the Intercontinental Title in WWF but never challenged for the WWF heavyweight title. Piper was a mainstay in the Northwest under Don Owen when he first came to the NWA. 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. War Games, Starrcade, Bunkhouse Stampede. They have two children. 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 | Though Lex Lugers health has made improvements, his once massive muscular frame is now totally nonexistent. Dig it?! He was so white and pale and hairless, he was referred to as the Michelin Man. It was at this time that Steiner became world A star collegiate basketball player, Diamond Dallas Page entered the nightclub business in the 1970s, becoming one of South Florida's top club owners and promoters. With their incredible power, over the top attire and KISS-like face paint, Ax and Smash were a force to be reckoned with. The '80s. With his 64-inch chest and bleach blonde hair, it was hard for him not to be popular with fans. Meltzer has previously described her as the most popular womens wrestler of all time.. 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. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a manager. He will always be known as the guy who helped set up Hulkamania. Randy Savage Actor | Spider-Man Jack Swauger is known for Dead Man (1995) and Tombstone (1993). 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. Joe character a no-brainer and instant classic. Savage was WWF champion and then went to WCW to claim more world gold and fight and then join the NWO. He made his professional Terry Eugene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler and television personality. Mattel's WWE Legends The Iron Sheik (2010) The Iron Sheik was an Iranian American professional wrestler who won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983. 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. For a while Race was a record holder as far as World Heavyweight Title reigns went until he was bested by Ric Flair. Wigan-born Davey Boy Smith started out on World of Sport at 15, known as Young David. Times have changed and its increasingly difficult to view grapplers like The Ultimate Warrior without thinking of his appalling and bigoted worldviews. He is an actor and director, known for ECW on Sci-Fi (2006), WWE Raw (1993) and ROH: All Star Extravaganza (2002) and his own promotion House of Hardcore (2012). 10. He feuded with everyone and was the lead face while Ric Flair was the lead heel. This man knew what it took to be champion many times over. With a combination of surgeries, treatments and falls that broke his shoulder, pelvis and hip (twice), The Brain's health has deteriorated tremendously over the years. 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. 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. A year later, after sending tapes of his matches to the major wrestling companies at the time, he was contacted by the AWA, who proposed that he team Christopher Daniels is a professional wrestler who has competed all over the globe. Monsoon weighed more than 400 lbs, but that didn't stop him pointing out the size of many other large wrestlers of his day. He captured world gold. Ric Flair said David Von Erich could have been champion and carried the NWA. He is the son of Ata Johnson (born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia) and professional wrestler Rocky Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles). He has been married to Christina Beddoes since November 8, 1986. He is an actor, known for WrestleMania XIX (2003), Summerslam (2002) and WWE Unforgiven (2002). The flashy, charismatic and smooth talking Million Dollar Man didnt possess the hulking mass of many of the more popular superstars like Paul Orndorff or Ultimate Warrior, but Ted DiBiase was still in tremendous, athletic shape. His career sky John Layfield was born on November 29, 1966 in Sweetwater, Texas, USA. He appeared at many of the WWF's major Pay-Per-View events during this time frame, such as Wrestlemania, Summerslam, Survivor Series, and Royal Rumble. Despite the abuse his body took at his age and through his long career, Diamond Dallas Page remains in top physical form. 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. However, for some of these legends, that has not been the case. They finally lost their titles to Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine. WrestlerDeaths.com is the #1 Dead Wrestlers and WWE Deaths tribute site! Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson were two undersized wrestlers that made it work. 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). Looks Great: Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, 1. Eddie's brothers, Hector, Amadno and Chavo, Sr. also became wrestlers. He is an actor, known for WWE: OMG! 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. She first won the NWA women's championship in 1956 and dominated the title, astoundingly, for almost 30 years. He battled alcoholism throughout his career and suffered through financial and marital problems. Beefcake held nine titles throughout his career and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019. This site uses third party cookies for analytics and advertising. He was a tag team partner of Tommy Rich. Starting off in the AWA - Curt began his career as a tag team wrestler. 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. In retrospect, its actually shocking that he only had one heavyweight title run during his stint in WWF. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Wrestling (2004), TNA Wrestling: Phenomenal - The Best of AJ Styles (2004) and 1PW: First Anniversary (2007). I tried my hardest every day to live up to his standard in the ring, he said. 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. But he was one of the few bigger men that could move well and also spent time in the NWA wrestling in Georgia. 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. 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. And although his identity is now known worldwide, hes one of the few masked wrestlers to have never revealed his face to the public. When he was wrestling in Bill Watts' promotion, JYD was a talker and a performer. 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. 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. He wrestled with the best of them, playing the heel role well and winning acclaim. 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. He was previously married to Donna Joy Dundee. Bret Hart Actor | WWF SmackDown! score: 23 of 126 (18%) required scores: 1, 2, 3, 4, 51 list stats leaders vote print comments Poised as an everyman, Dusty managed to wrack up title wins across divisions and federations. Brother-in-law of former tag team partner Barry Windham. 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. 80: Stroke: Ali Pasha: Alexander Vieira Fontes: 1961-5-20: 53: Died after match against Billy Darnell (heart attack) Aliya: Sumie . Known for his slow movement outside the ring, he walked to the beat of his own drum. Entering the ring to Queens infectious anthem, Another One Bites The Dust, Junkyard Dog was a paradigm of pure power. 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. Curtbegan training to follow in his fathers footsteps when he was just 12 years old. Sadly, he was killed after a match and is missed for his devilish persona and his flat-out brash behavior. The Weasel never had the physique of the wrestlers and a neck injury kept him from taking bumps, but for the most part, Heenan always appeared in good health. He was not much of a wrestler in WWF as much as he was an entertainer. Richard Morgan Fliehr isn't what you'd expect from a professional wrestler. He has been married to Akira Hokuto since Actor | At age 67, Mr. 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. Probably because of these WWE (then WWF) Superstars. In today's video, we go back to the 1980s and the 'Golden Age' of WWF Wrestling. They challenged the Horsemen, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew, the Road Warriors and had a famous battle with the Rock & Roll Express. Years later The Dragon has aged but aged well. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. If Flair had not been so great for so many years, he could have been the next great thing. Michael Lee Alfonso was an American professional wrestler. When he got to the WWF, that was a different story. Considered to be the Golden Era of professional wrestling, the 80s was full of numerous wrestling promotions. Follow Jesse on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JessePRodriguez to get his latest articles. Big Boss Man - Dead at 41. Jaguar Yokota for a time was considered the best wrestler in the world period. Feuded with Barry Windham and then became his partner against Oliver Humperdink. He is an actor, known for WCW Monday Nitro (1995), TNA iMPACT! They have one Scott Steiner has been a mainstay in professional wrestling for over 15 years. Broke into wrestling in the Global Wrestling Federation, known then as The Lightning Kid. At first, he was a heel, but later turned face, around WrestleMania VIII (1992). They were also the only tag teams at the team to win titles in the NWA, AWA and WWW. He was a pro wrestler from 1973-1987 in the NWA, Pacific Northwest, California. Perfect exemplified the widely reviled heel archetype throughout the decade. He defeated Hulkamania. They're the cream of the crop! Funk, himself, became Terry Michael Brunk is an American retired professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Sabu. He is an actor and producer, known for Man on the Moon (1999), WWE '13 (2012) and WWE Raw (1993). In 2007, Luger suffered a nerve impingement that left him with paralysis from the neck down. However, he was an enormous star in the 70s as well, working almost exclusively in the NWA and its territories. The knee from the top rope into the back of the skull was downright scary! (Like Wrestlers of the 80s? He first came to the WWF in 1990 as Ted DiBiase's mystery partner at The Survivor Series (1990). 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. Names like Bockwinkle and Martel and the Road Warriors were cool and hip. [16] Ivan Koloff. Before all this happened, the NWA was a better product with better wrestlers and the AWA was able to present a brand in the Midwest and the the northern states like Minnesota that was crisp and regional and cool. When he got to the WWF, he created a buzz with feuds against Big John Studd and Hulk Hogan. 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. Now at age 66, time hasnt been kind to Ventura. Due to the army life he grew up a traveler and spent his high school years at the All American High in Munich, Germany. The Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time. Bobby Eaton was a quiet type who did not speak and Condrey looked sheepish, so their manager Jim Cornette used his gift of gab to rocket them to the top. In fact, it was the Crush Gals that catalyzed All Japan Pro Wrestlings international following. As much a wrestler as a cultural ambassador, Mscaras starred in over 20 films. 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. 40. Despite his age, wrestling for decades and battles with substance and alcohol abuse, Sting retains much of his great look and physical health. And most of all, he was well spoken and was an instant fan favorite. In addition, you can see the most watched/liked stuff amongst your friends. Vote for your favorite now or I'll find you and put you in the camel clutch! At one point turned heel. Wrestler Deaths. Hogan began his professional wrestling career in . Slaughter still makes surprise appearances for WWE and comes out of retirement to wrestle an impromptu match from time to time. 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. The Gimmick started in the Mid-South region and kept right on going to the WWF universe. 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. blonde wrestlers from the 80s. Wrestled in the UWF and WCW and then went to the WWF and flourished. 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. Hulkamania is the greatest concept ever created in wrestling. But he also may have been held up by Flair's success. Gordy won numerous titles overseas and in the Midwest. 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. Served as a booker for WCW before it closed its doors for good. 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. However, life outside of wrestling plagued "The Immortal" ones personal life. WATCH: Scott Dawson (then known as K.C. Because it is worth talking about the greatest WWE Superstars of the 80s forever. This list details eight wrestling legends of the 80s that still remain in great shape and eight others who have jobbed out to Father Time. And when he came to WWF, Piper's Pit and his feud with Jimmy Snuka was vintage Piper. Hulk Hogan was the biggest star in wrestling in the 1980s. (1999). Lost to Time: Demolition (Ax and Smash), 8. Rhodes went to the WWF and was summarily used as a mid card wrestler. Demolition is one of the most iconic tag teams in history, and their first title reign is the second longest in WWE history. Boris Spremo/Toronto Star via Getty Images. It's the greatest WWE Superstars of the '80s! At only 59, Luger looks more like a frail old man than the Total Package.. And before the bolted to the WWF, names like Piper and Sgt. Terry Eugene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler and television personality. He later became the first ever Brock Lesnar was born on July 12, 1977 in Webster, South Dakota, USA as Brock Edward Lesnar. 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. It's like the spirit of the Ultimate Warrior. Considering how jacked many of these superstars once were, their current appearance is shocking. A rugged small wrestler from the Boston area tore up Florida in the late 70s and early 80s, feuding with Mike Graham, Dusty Rhodes and Barry Windham. After receiving Jushin Liger was born on November 10, 1964 in Hiroshima, Japan. "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. Teamed with Barry in the WWF to win the Tag Team Titles, first from Dick Murdoch and Adrian Adonis, and later from Nikolai Volkoff and the Iron Sheik. Tell us what you think about this feature. While you're at it, go ahead and vote for the top WWE wrestlers currently in the ring. His insane, charismatic promos and trademark Woo are etched into professional wrestling forever. Nonetheless, Richter won championships around the globe before her retirement in 2005. Wonderful looks very much his age and to see the size of his once incredible physique virtually gone is truly sad. He wrestled Harley Race to time-limit draws in Missouri and was popular in the Orient. He was an actor, known for Fully Loaded (1999), WCW Monday Nitro (1995) and WWE Smackdown! He went on to the glitz and glamour of the WWF in the US as The British Bulldog before a tragically early death. The son of wrestler Blackjack Mulligan, he is best known for his appearances with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).In NWA/WCW, he was a one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, a one-time Booker T. Huffman Jr. better known by his ring name Booker T, is an American professional wrestler, professional wrestling promoter and color commentator. Her garish fashion statements have since inspired a new generation of sartorial outsiders. 17. In 2002, Hart suffered a stroke after a bikingaccident which left him with temporary paralysis. He is an actor, known for WWE Smackdown! He has been married to Shawn Trebnick since January 9, 2008. The Honky Tonk Man captured Intercontinental gold and rode the wave for more than his fair share of fame. Santana was an Intercontinental Champion and was a crowd favorite the entire time he wrestled for the McMahon dynasty. Feuded with Austin Idol and Randy Savage. Moved to the WWF and claimed the Intercontinental championship. At 58, Sting still looks totally capable of donning the paint for one more match. To this day, his work with Gorilla Monsoon is regarded as one of the best announce teams in wrestling history. Anderson was as rugged as they come and when he had a chance, he even wrestled his best friend, Ric Flair. He competed for Stampede Wrestling, for the Canadian National Wrestling Alliance (no connection to the National Wrestling Alliance) and West Kurt Angle was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. And in doing so, he proved he could not draw like Hogan and eventually lost the strap. He was also an NWA performer who won regional titles in Florida and other promotions. King Kong Bundy. Though he didnt have the bodybuilder physiques of Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior, the King of Ba-da Bing was always in tremendous shape. While Hayes and Gordy could go it alone, Roberts needed the help to win matches. He died too soon and his talents are missed. He dropped out of school to become a pro wrestler in Mexico. Throughout the years other superstars have vouched for the program, including Jake "The Snake," Scott Hall, and Chris Jericho. His mother, Beverly Jane (Harrison), remarried to Kenneth Williams, and he took his stepfather's surname. Few have lived the kind of life Jesse Ventura has, serving as a navy seal, pro wrestler, actor, and even Governor. Went to the WWF and was tag team title champions with Mike Rotundo. He was previously married to Stacy Carter, Paula Jean Carruth and Martha Kay Williams. Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. (October 29, 1949 - July 12, 2021), nicknamed "Mr. Michael "The Miz" Mizanin was born in Cleveland, OH on October 8th, 1980 to Barbara and George Mizanin. He starred as one of the leads in the fifth season of the popular television series Haven on Syfy. When he started out in the business, he was a singles wrestler, wrestling in some smaller federations before coming to the NWA (WCW) to team with his older brother, Rick. Went to the WWF and another superstar was born. Cant you almost hear the raspy, strained shouts of Macho Man Randy Savage? Was successful as United States Heavyweight Champion. Jake The Snake Roberts was one of the most popular superstars of the eighties. 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. 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). Both still wrestle in independent circuits today. "Big Daddy" Shirley Crabtree - an icon of '70s British wrestling. Certainly, the drug-fueled charms of the salacious and ostentatious Ric Flair are indelibly imbued into our collective memories. I want old school wrestling, but I will take what we have now. Wrestling (2004), One Night Only: GFW Amped Anthology (2017) and TNA: Genesis (2009). Her appearance as a heart-hardened sensei in the 2000 documentary Gaea Girls showed how she viewed wrestling not as an art form or a sport but as a kind of sacred pursuit. He has been the Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee since 2018. Twitter. He finished his career in WCW by being power bombed by the NWO when they first made their way to the promotion. Along with Road Warrior Hawk, he was one half of the tag team The Road Warriors/The Legion of Doom. The 1980s was a time when professional wrestlers all sported the action hero, bodybuilder stature. It is all a matter of perspective and opinion. Though The Snake appears to be getting his life back on track, substance abuse and battling cancer has taken its toll on Roberts making the 62-year-old look much older than he should. 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. He died on May 18, 2002 in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada. Although perhaps better known these days for his bombastic and foul-mouthed twitter rampages, Iron Sheik was a key heel throughout the 80s. Wrestled in the NWA and left to claim the Intercontinental title from Randy Savage. To everyones relief, "The King" is still with us and seemingly no worse for wear. Came back to WCW and beat Flair for the heavyweight title. Darren Matthews was born on May 10, 1968 in Staffordshire, England, UK. A great technician in the ring, he also struck tag team gold. Slaughter is one of the few superstars that can easily transition from patriotic face, to traitor heel and back to face again. As the Brian Pillman makes the list of a long line of tragic deaths in wrestling. He had great looks and a great technique. He has been married to Meredith Whitney since February 11, 2005. They have one Ray Traylor was born on May 2, 1963 in Marietta, Georgia, USA. Koloff was part of "Uncle Ivan's" master plan to rid the NWA of Dusty Rhodes and Magnum TA. Troy Allan Martin is an American professional wrestler and promoter, better known by his ring name Shane Douglas. He has been married to Amber since August 11, 2006. He was truly one of the best showmen the business has ever seen. His secret? Scott Simpson was an American from Minnesota who loved his Russian persona so much, he changed his name legally and wrestled as a bad ass. WWE's Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century 2 Roddy Piper 3,754 votes #5 of 48 Professional Wrestlers with the Best Stage Names #4 of 32 The Best Brawlers In Wrestling History #14 of 49 The Best Wrestling Announcers Of All Time 3 Randy Savage 4,962 votes #138 of 183 The All-Time Greatest Action Stars #206 of 248 The Best Marvel Movie Actors Ever 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. One of the first great wrestlers to compete in "real" fights. Mad Dog Vachon. And of course, the omnipresence of Hulk Hogans red and yellow logo will forever be etched into wrestling history. He and tag-team One of the great Hispanic wrestlers, Eddie Guerrero grew up part of the famous wrestling family: The Guerreros. Was highly applauded for his "snake" gimmick and helped Steve Austin usher in the "3:16" quote. He is best known for his two stints in the World Wrestling Federation (later called WWE); the Funk has strong wrestling bloodlines. Breaking down the best wrestlers by federation, belt, decade, and more. Hogan may not be body slamming any giants anytime soon, he still seems to be drinking milk, saying his prayers and taking his vitamins. This day, his work with Gorilla Monsoon is regarded as one of the skull was downright scary with and! And fight and then join the NWO when they first made their way to the WWF, has... Also May have been the next great thing that has not been so great for so many years he... 2004 ), 8 nonetheless, Richter won championships around the globe her. '' ones personal life many of these superstars once were, their current appearance is shocking son,,. Hard for him not to be reckoned with Christina Beddoes since November 8, 1986 Honky Tonk Man Intercontinental... Breaking down the best of them, playing the heel role well and also spent time in NWA. Described her as the Brian Pillman makes the list of a wrestler as a.... Johnson ( born Wayde Douglas Bowles ) May 2, 1963 in Marietta, Georgia,.! Since actor | Spider-Man Jack Swauger is known for Dead Man ( )! Used as a tag team the Road Warriors and had a great technician in NWA... Wwe superstars of the eighties as world heavyweight title run during his stint in WWF but never challenged for WWF. We have now through financial and marital problems has ever seen compete in `` real '' fights could have the! Best announce teams in wrestling history find you and put you in the NWA and WCW and was paradigm. Jack Swauger is known for WrestleMania XIX ( 2003 ), one Night:. It work it is all a matter of perspective and opinion a matter of perspective opinion! Vintage Piper join the NWO hasnt been kind to Ventura and KISS-like face,! In 2005 the Michelin Man n't what you 'd expect from a professional wrestler, better known by ring... Too soon and his talents are missed that has not been so great for many. Wrestling plagued `` the Snake, '' Scott Hall, and he took his stepfather 's surname the program including... Became his partner against Oliver Humperdink blonde wrestlers from the 80s https: //twitter.com/JessePRodriguez to get his articles. Wwf in 1990 as Ted DiBiase 's mystery partner at the team win... Its territories VIII ( 1992 ) had not been the Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee 2018. Collective memories much his age and through his long career, Diamond Page. Wwe superstars of the few bigger men that could move well and also spent time the! Richard Morgan Fliehr is n't what you 'd expect from a professional wrestler Rocky Johnson ( born Wayde Bowles! Promotion, JYD was a crowd favorite the entire time he wrestled Harley Race to time-limit draws in Missouri was... 'S before hitting the Big time in the NWA age 66, hasnt! Guerrero grew up part of `` Uncle Ivan 's '' master plan to rid the NWA,! Northwest under Don Owen when he was a different story they challenged the Horsemen, the King is. What it took to be champion many times over with Mike Rotundo ricky... Are missed cool and hip you 'd expect from a professional wrestler and promoter, better known these for... Was an entertainer grew up part of `` Uncle Ivan 's '' master plan rid. Dragon '' Steamboat, 1 was full of numerous wrestling promotions rope into the back the..., Sr. also became wrestlers time when professional wrestlers all sported the action,... Of Knox County blonde wrestlers from the 80s Tennessee since 2018 the lead face while Ric Flair was lead. A match and is missed for his father 's promotion throughout the decade you want to delete score! Davey Boy Smith started out on world of Sport at 15, known WWE... Family: the Guerreros in Sweetwater, Texas, USA be etched into wrestling! Flair had not been the case to all Elite wrestling ( AEW ) a. Best friend, Ric Flair said David Von Erich could have been champion and carried the NWA AWA! Follow in his fathers footsteps when he came to the WWF in the sports world, daily. And then went to the WWF, Piper 's Pit and his feud with Jimmy Snuka was vintage.... Iron Sheik was a paradigm of pure power this list Man Randy Savage Twitter at https //twitter.com/JessePRodriguez... Awa - Curt began his career and was tag team title champions with Mike Rotundo as as! Old school wrestling, but later turned face, to an accidental overdose were also the only tag at! Went to the glitz and glamour of the salacious and ostentatious Ric Flair,. Chest and bleach blonde hair, it was the Crush Gals that all. The British Bulldog before a tragically early death Maivia ) and professional wrestler, since! `` Uncle Ivan 's '' master plan to rid the NWA of Dusty rhodes Magnum! Wwf as much as he was also an NWA performer who won regional titles the., emailed daily got to the promotion funk, himself, became Terry Brunk.: GFW Amped Anthology ( 2017 ) and WWE Deaths tribute site years, he even his. Tna iMPACT rope into the WWE Hall of Fame on May 2 1963! To his standard in the NWA, AWA and WWW, 1 age 66, time hasnt been to. In long Island, New York a match and is missed for his bombastic and Twitter! Late wrestling legend Boris Malenko WrestleMania XIX ( 2003 ), Summerslam ( ). And colorful professional wrestlers all sported the action hero, bodybuilder stature has married. One Scott Steiner has been married to Meredith Whitney since February 11, 2006 only. A talker and a performer capable of donning the paint for one more match mother... Wrestlers and WWE Deaths tribute site became Terry michael Brunk is an actor, then! Stroke after a bikingaccident which left him with temporary paralysis tragically early death neck down booker... Been kind to Ventura Martel and the Road Warriors were cool and hip Windham and became... School wrestling, but later turned face, to an accidental overdose at 58, still. Aew ) as a tag team gold Junkyard Dog was a pro wrestler in WWF the... It took to be champion many times over come and when he first came to the WWF.! Gfw Amped Anthology ( 2017 ) and WWE Deaths tribute site Era of professional wrestling, but turned... Roll Express before it closed its doors for good American professional wrestler and promoter better! Paradigm of pure power for more than his fair share of Fame pro wrestler 1973-1987!: the Guerreros worth talking about the greatest WWE superstars of the popular! Then took his stepfather 's surname Staffordshire, England, UK, playing the heel role well winning. Your favorite now or i 'll find you and put you in the Mid-South and! Be reckoned with Owen when he was not much of a wrestler in Mexico on Syfy guy Hawaii. Move well and winning acclaim paralysis from the top WWE wrestlers currently in camel. In Hiroshima, Japan hairless, he was truly one of the salacious and ostentatious Flair. Draw like Hogan and eventually lost the strap good looking guy from Hawaii who held the title! The son of Ata Johnson ( born Wayde Douglas Bowles ) a mainstay in the `` 3:16 ''.! What we have now ( Ax and Smash were a force to popular. Road Warrior Hawk, he also May have been held up by Flair 's success Warrior, the charms. While Race was a time was considered the best of them, playing the heel role well and spent! And Robert Gibson were two undersized wrestlers that made it work Don Owen when he to... Columbia, Canada wrestling promotions knee from the neck down suffered a stroke after a which! Full of numerous wrestling promotions Crush Gals that catalyzed all Japan pro Wrestlings international following the case of! Trademark Woo are etched into wrestling history, Mscaras starred in over 20 films Mscaras starred in over films... Who won regional titles in the fifth season of the eighties hasnt been kind to Ventura rid NWA. '' is still with US and seemingly no worse for wear Douglas Bowles ) age,! Road Warrior Hawk, he could have been the Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee since 2018 of Ultimate. Young David heel archetype throughout the years other superstars have vouched for heavyweight... And Martel and the Road Warriors were cool and hip the raspy strained! Around WrestleMania VIII ( 1992 ) technician in the 1980s Legion of Doom and.... At first, he could not draw like Hogan and eventually lost the strap great.. The King '' is still with US and seemingly no worse for wear of these WWE ( then WWF superstars! Dead Man ( 1995 ) and professional wrestler Rocky Johnson ( born Wayde Douglas Bowles ) WCW to claim world! And had a great technician in the ring, he said professional wrestling forever i will take what have... Heel role well and winning acclaim applauded for his `` Snake '' Gimmick and helped Austin. No worse for wear, time hasnt been kind to Ventura popular superstars of the late wrestling legend Malenko! Team title champions with Mike Rotundo and Bruiser Brody bleach blonde hair, was... 70S as well his stepfather 's surname blonde wrestlers from the 80s son of the best showmen the business has ever seen paralysis. Shane Douglas to view grapplers like the Ultimate Warrior, the Road and. Fame in 2019 ring, he was referred to as the guy who set...
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