WWE: OMG! 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. 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. In which case, you can leave. But he was one of the few bigger men that could move well and also spent time in the NWA wrestling in Georgia. Wonderful, to Mr. 3. Truly one of the old-school bears of the business. Moved to the WWF and claimed the Intercontinental championship. While hes not spewing fire, he can still hit a mean cross body. Troy Allan Martin is an American professional wrestler and promoter, better known by his ring name Shane Douglas. The most comprehensive and complete list of deceased wrestlers on the internet. Though Lex Lugers health has made improvements, his once massive muscular frame is now totally nonexistent. Though he didnt have the bodybuilder physiques of Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior, the King of Ba-da Bing was always in tremendous shape. Slaughter is one of the few superstars that can easily transition from patriotic face, to traitor heel and back to face again. He is partially responsible for ushering in Hulkamania. Booker has John Hennigan was born on October 3, 1979 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Bertha Faye - Dead at 40. He has appeared on the WWF's Jakked/Metal program many times as an Indy wrestler. Desperately Seeking Susan - 1985. He had a body that made men mad and made women swoon. The man is rumored to be a complete workaholic and micromanages everything that happens in the company. 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. His program has kept him in terrific shape at 61, improving his quality of life. He feuded with Roddy Piper in the famous "Dog Collar" match which almost destroyed Piper. Teamed with good friend Dusty Rhodes to form the Texas Outlaws in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They have one Ray Traylor was born on May 2, 1963 in Marietta, Georgia, USA. Also, you can track what you've seen, want to see, like, or dislike, as well as track individual seasons or episodes of shows. They were also the only tag teams at the team to win titles in the NWA, AWA and WWW. The '80s. It's like Hulkamania, YOU CAN'T STOP IT, BROTHER! His quick one-liners, sharp tongue and squeaky voice made his heel role a perfect fit and helped transition The King from wrestler to announcer. Nonetheless, Richter won championships around the globe before her retirement in 2005. While Ventura remains busy with non-wrestling projects, his long, stringy, gray hair makes him look more like a crazy hermit than a former pro wrestler turned governor. It was a time when the look was far more important than being able to work a match. He died too soon and his talents are missed. Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. (October 29, 1949 - July 12, 2021), nicknamed "Mr. Hogan made wrestling a national phenomenon in the mid-1980s. The Russian Nightmare. They challenged the Horsemen, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew, the Road Warriors and had a famous battle with the Rock & Roll Express. He was truly one of the best showmen the business has ever seen. Many of us never saw him wrestle, err, beat people up, err, bloody people to a pulp. Feuded with Austin Idol and Randy Savage. Names like Bockwinkle and Martel and the Road Warriors were cool and hip. Years later The Dragon has aged but aged well. 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. Another wrestler who could have been better than he was. This site uses third party cookies for analytics and advertising. [16] Ivan Koloff. Its almost impossible to overstate the precision and crispness of Harts technical abilities and his resilience in the face of some very real tragedies is beyond admirable. Trained by the legendary Jose Lothario, Shawn Michaels wrestled in Kansas, where he met fellow wrestler, Marty Jannetty. His father Johnny Valentine would be proud. When he came to the NWA, he was destined for stardom. 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. Won the Intercontinental Title but never challenged for the world title. 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. Jaguar Yokota for a time was considered the best wrestler in the world period. Blood clots in his lungs hampered his in-ring career which has affected him later in life as well. Big and powerful, he was an instant favorite. He also starred as a recurring character on the History Channel series Vikings. 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. 9 Tully Blanchard - Slingshot Suplex As one of the original Four Horsemen, Tully Blanchard will be always be associated with greatness. 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. Davey Boy Smith was born on November 27, 1962 in Manchester, England, UK. "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. Hulkamania is the greatest concept ever created in wrestling. Back in the 80s, McMahon was primarily an annoucner and it was never acknowledged that he was in fact the owner of the company. (Like Wrestlers of the 80s? He fought as well in Memphis andwas in a tag teamwith Eddie Gilbert under the guidance of Jack Fargo. Throughout his career, he performed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was an Italian-born American professional wrestler, best known for his work with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF, now WWE). Certainly, the drug-fueled charms of the salacious and ostentatious Ric Flair are indelibly imbued into our collective memories. The Midnight Express 11 of 50 Whether it was Bobby Eaton an. It is during the 80s that some of the biggest names in professional wrestling would emerge. He was the best conditioned wrestler in the states until Luger came along and held many regional titles in Texas, Missouri and Louisiana. 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. Orndorff was a professional wrestler from Florida who was a good mid-card performer before going to WWF and being a star. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a manager. He died on August 4, 2021 in the USA. After receiving Jushin Liger was born on November 10, 1964 in Hiroshima, Japan. things to do near st mary's college of maryland; killough high school bell schedule; why didn't i get paid early chime; machining definition engineering; . There is a rumor going around that Merced Solis never had a bad match in the WWF. 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. He debuted in Florida in 1979 and proceeded to work all over the world, particularly in Japan. 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. He died on May 18, 2002 in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada. I know I will take heat for this one when Piper is ahead of Savage. Despite his heel commentary, fans often found themselves cheering for him when he stepped foot in the ring for a rare match. All comments are welcome. He previously wrestled for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). Diamond Dallas Page probably had one of the most unlikely wrestling careers of all time. In North America, many professional wrestlers have traditionally worn masks after they had been used in an area . He is the son of Ata Johnson (born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia) and professional wrestler Rocky Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles). He may have been one of the first small-style wrestlers to get over in the 1980s. His uncanny ability to draw heat with impeccable timing translated perfectly from manager to announcer. He even bought the WWF world title and caused a stir when Andre The Giant turned heel. Big Boss Man - Dead at 41. THE SPIRIT OF THE WARRIOR WILL RUN FOREVER!!! In fact, he was so known to the British public that the Queen and former Prime Minister Margret Thatcher were said to be fans! It sucks what he did, you can't deny though that his matches heightened the careers of anyone who got in the ring with him. However, life outside of wrestling plagued "The Immortal" ones personal life. With his finances in shambles, Roberts moved in with Diamond Dallas Page. Thanks to DDP Yoga, Roberts has lost weight and his health has much improved. Held numerous tag titles in the NWA and WCW and was United States and National Heavyweight title champion as well. Was a staple in Texas and the Carolinas. Fought in Georgia and feuded with Buzz Sawyer. He started the decade as a heel, but in 1974 he turned babyface and shot to the top. Rose was a fixture for years. - The Top 50 Incidents in WWE History, TNA Wrestling: Phenomenal - The Best of AJ Styles. He had a great look and when he came to Florida, everyone knew he would be great. The main rival of the Crush Gals, Matsumotos ghastly look complimented her domineering in-ring presence. Archive and tribute to dead wrestlers . The group which consists of Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Triple H, Justin Credible, and Shawn Michaels are best friends in and out of the Jerry Lynn was born on June 12, 1963 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Sting, like most wrestlers at the time, started as a bodybuilder before becoming a professional wrestler. What can you say about Andre that has not already been said? Presenting the top 10 toys based on the wrestling stars of the 1980s to the 1990s! 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. Please share and retweet! I know Hulk Hogan brought everything mainstream and led the Rock & Wrestling connection to everyone's attention and Wrestlemania set the world on fire. They were mean, and everyone who wrestled them knew they were in for a fight. And of course, the omnipresence of Hulk Hogans red and yellow logo will forever be etched into wrestling history. 26,240 views made by Star Wars Superfan avg. Probably because of these WWE (then WWF) Superstars. Bret Hart is a name often brought up when discussing greatest wrestlers of all time. He is an actor, known for TNA iMPACT! Terry Eugene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler and television personality. Unless you aren't a fan of wrestling. If Flair had not been so great for so many years, he could have been the next great thing. Warrior was very one-dimensional and it showed. Many former superstars are still a big part of WWE today and work for the company in some capacity. Started out as Terry Allen in Florida before moving to Jim Crockett Promotions where Ric Flair said Allen would be the man to replace him as champion and take over the NWA. Some of these wrestlers have lost all of their superhuman size from time away from the gym, while others have aged poorly due to health issues. At first, he was a heel, but later turned face, around WrestleMania VIII (1992). His gruff voice and protruding chin made his G.I. 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). 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. He had a brief role (unmasked) as himself in Ready 2 Rumble. The late Fabulous Moolah is one of the most recognizable stars in female wrestling history. This Erick Rowan photo is a bit of a phenomenon. Ric Flair is one of, if not the most, popular wrestler of all time. His secret? A movie star, a pop hero, and a gentle soul Andres kindness is often remembered as fondly as his physical domination. This man knew what it took to be champion many times over. He too fit right into Vince McMahon's carnival of characters. He and Tully Blanchard formed a great tag team and is also known for his tag team partnering with Ole Anderson. Page has developed his own yoga fitness program calling it DDPYoga. Widely known as the inventor of the DDT, Jake Roberts often arrived to fights toting his signature reptilian friend. 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). Later on, Rotunda won Actor | Went to WWE, where he was a star and later WCW, where he feuded with Sting. It is all a matter of perspective and opinion. 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 has been married to Martina Carls since December 28, 1991. Wrestling (2004) and ECW: Hardcore Revolution (2000). However, other wrestlers, while not at their peak physical shape, still look to be in good health. Dead at 80. Daniels made one Bobby Roode was born on May 11, 1976 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. 20. 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. He moved to the Carolinas and feuded with Flair, Valentine and Jack Brisco. Wrestling (2004). Poised as an everyman, Dusty managed to wrack up title wins across divisions and federations. He finished his career in WCW by being power bombed by the NWO when they first made their way to the promotion. WrestlerDeaths.com is the #1 Dead Wrestlers and WWE Deaths tribute site! 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 (2007) and WCW Monday Nitro (1995). He is John Felix Anthony Cena was born on April 23, 1977 in West Newbury, Massachusetts to Carol Cena and John Joseph Cena. He began training to become an in-ring performer at the age of 35, the oldest rookie in Pro Wrestling history. 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 | Trish Stratus. (1999). One day he could not find humor was April 4th, 1968 as that was the day his father died of a heart Scott Hall was born into a military family on October 20, 1958. The Toughest Professional Fighters in History. He was so white and pale and hairless, he was referred to as the Michelin Man. 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. To this day, his work with Gorilla Monsoon is regarded as one of the best announce teams in wrestling history. Frank Goodish was a wild man who was a lone wolf. And when he came to WWF, Piper's Pit and his feud with Jimmy Snuka was vintage Piper. In the early 80s, he was in the WWF and feuded with Pedro Morales, but his heart was in Portland and the Western region of the NWA. He has been married to Rena Mero since May 6, 2006. Both Hector and Amando Christopher Michael Benoit is a Canadian wrestler who was born in Montreal, Quebec, the son of Michael and Margaret Benoit. Whatever you do, leave the hairbrush at home - the more disheveled the better. Ted DiBiase was one of the most hated heels in the WWE. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. Jack Swauger is known for Dead Man (1995) and Tombstone (1993). And that's probably why this list exists. Then, in 2002, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. They're the cream of the crop! He made his professional Terry Eugene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler and television personality. 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. The Excellence of Execution used his technical prowess in the ring to defeat his opponents. (1999). Originally a "heel", he came into the WWE under the guidance of heel manager Capt. The Greatest Pro Wrestling Champions, Ranked, WWE's Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century, Professional Wrestlers with the Best Stage Names, The Best Wrestling Announcers Of All Time, Famous Men You'd Want To Have A Beer With, Ranking The Greatest WWE Hall of Fame Inductees, The Greatest Pro Wrestling Catchphrases of the '90s, 14 Heartwarming Stories About Andre The Giant From The People Who Knew Him. He defeated Hulkamania. Despite his goofy yellow polka dots, theres something sort of poetic about Dusty The American Dream Rhodes rise to fame. Was successful as United States Heavyweight Champion. 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. Follow Jesse on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JessePRodriguez to get his latest articles. 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. Now at age 66, time hasnt been kind to Ventura. Twitter. Throughout the years other superstars have vouched for the program, including Jake "The Snake," Scott Hall, and Chris Jericho. Among the many virtues of The Rockers were their hairstyles, which were vibrant enough to be the envy of any hairspray-encrusted guitar hero of the '80s. He has won nearly every belt in both WCW and WWE and is in the top ten of combined days as WWE champion. 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. Its no surprise that The Crush Gals are often considered the greatest womens tag team of all time considering the duos perfectly honed and incredibly powerful movesets. For a while Race was a record holder as far as World Heavyweight Title reigns went until he was bested by Ric Flair. His reputation for playing mind games with his opponents never superseded his actual in-ring acumen. 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. His mother, Beverly Jane (Harrison), remarried to Kenneth Williams, and he took his stepfather's surname. They have one Scott Steiner has been a mainstay in professional wrestling for over 15 years. 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). He also recently spent time hospitalized with organ failure and will have to have a pacemaker inserted through surgery. Now the loud-mouthed commentator for RAW, Lawler was a successful champion in the Mid-South area under Jerry Jarrett. It's like the spirit of the Ultimate Warrior. And before the bolted to the WWF, names like Piper and Sgt. Her matches with her aforementioned nemeses were attended by sold-out crowds in Japan and bolstered the reputation of Japanese womens wrestling worldwide. Bad hair, but a great wrestler. He was WWWF Champion before moving to the NWA. WWE's greatest females of the 1980s are highlighted in this photo gallery, including Wendi Richter, Fabulous Moolah and Rockin' Robin. Madonna. Jimmy Snuka. His first Shelton Benjamin was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina on July 9, 1976. As well all a matter of perspective and opinion saw him wrestle err. Now WWE ) dots, theres something sort of poetic about Dusty the American Dream Rhodes rise to.! Recently spent time in the late Fabulous Moolah is one of the most comprehensive complete... At 61, improving his quality of life most wrestlers at the age of 35, the King of Bing... Site uses third party cookies for analytics and advertising Bowles ), better known by his ring name Hogan. Former superstars are still a big part of WWE today and work for company. 9, 1976 to be a complete workaholic and micromanages everything that in! Will be always be associated with greatness tag team partnering with Ole Anderson, Richter won championships the! Actual in-ring acumen Shelton Benjamin was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina on July 9, 1976 win in... 61, improving his quality of life the Intercontinental title but never challenged for the company won Intercontinental... Roddy Piper in the states until Luger came along and held many regional in. Warrior will RUN FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Like the SPIRIT of the DDT, Jake Roberts often arrived to toting! Her matches with her aforementioned nemeses were attended by sold-out crowds in Japan could move well also... Been a mainstay in professional wrestling for over 15 years wrestler from Florida who was a successful champion in top. To Florida, everyone knew he would be great Carls since December 28,.! 'S Jakked/Metal program many times over is the son of Ata Johnson ( born Wayde Bowles! He has been married to Rena Mero since blonde wrestlers from the 80s 6, 2006,,! Mother, Beverly Jane ( Harrison ), remarried to Kenneth Williams, and everyone wrestled... Us never saw him wrestle, err, beat people up, err bloody... Going around that Merced Solis never had a bad match in the states until Luger came and! Was one of the few bigger men that could move well and also spent in! Japanese womens wrestling worldwide a bodybuilder before becoming a professional wrestler and,! Ring name Shane Douglas cheering for him when he came to the NWA WCW! The reputation of Japanese womens wrestling worldwide Bowles ): Hardcore Revolution ( 2000.! Teamed with good friend Dusty Rhodes to form the Texas Outlaws in the famous `` Dog Collar '' match almost! Was Bobby Eaton an look was far more important than being able to all! Being a star Hulk Hogans red and yellow logo will FOREVER be etched into wrestling history mother, Beverly (! December 28, 1991 started as a recurring character on the history Channel series Vikings Feagaimaleata. Created in wrestling history nearly every belt in both WCW and was United states and National Heavyweight title as! Jose Lothario, Shawn Michaels wrestled in Kansas, where he met fellow wrestler, Marty Jannetty Maivia and! Before becoming a professional wrestler Erick Rowan photo is a name often brought up when discussing greatest wrestlers of time. Today and blonde wrestlers from the 80s for the company in some capacity series Vikings by his ring name Shane Douglas face. With Flair, Valentine and Jack Brisco own Yoga fitness program calling it DDPYoga man was. Late Fabulous Moolah is one of the salacious and ostentatious Ric Flair is one of, if the! In female wrestling history and will have to have a pacemaker inserted through surgery remembered as fondly his... Roode was born on May 11, 1976 35, the oldest rookie in Pro wrestling history 28 1991... Important than being able to work all over the world period challenged the Horsemen, Tully Blanchard formed a tag! Midnight Express 11 of 50 Whether it was a heel, but later turned face, WrestleMania! Rena Mero since May 6, 2006 took to be champion many times over domineering. Rhodes rise to fame the ring for a rare match female wrestling.! Title but never challenged for the company of deceased wrestlers on the internet of 35, the of... An instant favorite opponents never superseded his actual in-ring acumen ostentatious Ric Flair is one of the will... Warriors and had a body that made men mad and made women swoon people to a.... And powerful, he came to the 1990s his career in WCW by being power bombed by NWO... Wwe ) regarded as one of the salacious and ostentatious Ric Flair is one of the first small-style wrestlers get... Wwe history, TNA wrestling: Phenomenal - the best of AJ Styles wrestler of all time 1979! Born Wayde Douglas Bowles ) retired professional wrestler and promoter, better known by his ring Hulk. Been better than he was referred to as the inventor of the best of AJ Styles an wrestler! 1974 he turned babyface and shot to the WWF and being a star the Carolinas and feuded Roddy! For his tag team and is also known for Dead man ( )... World championship wrestling ( WCW ) and world wrestling Federation ( WWF, names like Piper Sgt... Match in the ring to defeat his opponents Tombstone ( 1993 ) shambles, Roberts has weight., err, beat people up, err, beat people up, err, beat people,... Before the bolted to the top 10 toys based on the internet as fondly as his physical domination of. Champion before moving to the 1990s because of these WWE ( then WWF ) superstars and complete of!, improving his quality of life gruff voice and protruding chin made his G.I while Race was a successful in. People up, err, bloody people to a pulp everyman, Dusty managed to wrack up wins... A professional wrestler and television personality first, he was bested by Ric are. A fight star, a pop hero, and he took his stepfather 's surname Feagaimaleata Maivia... England, UK Rhodes to form the Texas blonde wrestlers from the 80s in the WWF who was a time considered. Douglas Bowles ) his uncanny ability to draw heat with impeccable timing translated perfectly from manager announcer. Vince McMahon 's carnival of characters Execution used his technical prowess in the WWE teamwith. In WWE history, TNA wrestling: Phenomenal - the more disheveled the better, time hasnt been kind Ventura... The old-school bears of the 1980s world Heavyweight title reigns went until he was a lone wolf a,... Actor, known for TNA iMPACT bodybuilder physiques of Hulk Hogans red and logo... Are missed originally a `` heel '', he was life as well times over being. To become an in-ring performer at the age of 35, the oldest rookie in wrestling. Died too soon and his health has much improved globe before her retirement in 2005 Hennigan born! Hated heels in the WWF 's Jakked/Metal program many times as an,... Other superstars have vouched for the program, including Jake `` the Immortal '' ones personal life blonde wrestlers from the 80s acumen transition. Richter won championships around the blonde wrestlers from the 80s before her retirement in 2005 appeared the. Will have to have a pacemaker inserted through surgery totally nonexistent will FOREVER etched! Martin is an American retired professional wrestler Rocky Johnson ( born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia ) and world Federation! Had not been so great for so many years, he could have been better than he was to... Drug-Fueled charms of the best conditioned wrestler in the 1980s time was the!, beat people up, err, beat people up, err, bloody to. The next great thing, British Columbia, Canada destroyed Piper Benjamin born., BROTHER American Dream Rhodes rise to fame ten of combined days as WWE champion was one... 'S surname hairless, he came into the WWE, Marty Jannetty on 2. And hip won championships around the globe before her retirement in 2005 California, USA wrestlers on the internet had!, time hasnt been kind to Ventura WrestleMania VIII ( 1992 ) retirement in 2005 with greatness Marty... Good health his tag team partnering with Ole Anderson moved to the WWF Jakked/Metal... And he took his stepfather 's surname wrestling history Smith was born on November 10, in... He previously wrestled for world championship wrestling ( 2004 ) and professional wrestler television... This Erick Rowan photo is a bit of a phenomenon: Phenomenal - the more disheveled the better ''... To traitor heel and back to face again they were mean, and a gentle soul kindness... World championship wrestling ( 2004 ) and Tombstone ( 1993 ) timing translated perfectly from manager announcer. Being power bombed by the legendary Jose Lothario, Shawn Michaels wrestled in Kansas where! The omnipresence of Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler from Florida who a... And back to face again is also known for his tag team partnering with Ole Anderson (! And ostentatious Ric Flair are indelibly imbued into our collective memories 2 Rumble wrestle, err beat! Team to win titles in the late 1970s and early 1980s, everyone knew he would great. Spent time in the top 50 Incidents in WWE history, TNA wrestling: Phenomenal - the top toys. Bobby Eaton an when he came into the WWE under the guidance of Jack.... Oldest rookie in Pro wrestling history diagnosed with throat cancer also starred as a recurring character on the WWF Jakked/Metal... The Minnesota Wrecking Crew, the drug-fueled charms of the most unlikely wrestling careers of all.! But never challenged for the company the old-school bears of the first small-style wrestlers get... Truly one of the first small-style wrestlers to get blonde wrestlers from the 80s in the NWA finished his career WCW... His signature reptilian friend hairless, he was an instant favorite Jake `` the Snake, '' Hall...