While he was great looking and strong and powerful and had a great character, it wasn't enough to propel him to more greatness. And when he came to WWF, Piper's Pit and his feud with Jimmy Snuka was vintage Piper. 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. 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. Perfect exemplified the widely reviled heel archetype throughout the decade. Seeing Ax, at 69, and Smash, at 57, still donning their trunks and face paint wrestling in front of only a few hundred fans, looking remarkably overweight is a depressing sight to behold. Hayes went to WCW and later to WWE as a road agent and announcer. He was previously married to Diana Hart. The Honky Tonk Man captured Intercontinental gold and rode the wave for more than his fair share of fame. Won the Intercontinental Title but never challenged for the world title. Jesse Rodriguez is a writer from Belleville, IL and sports fan that doesn't walk the ESPN, WWE or sports talk radio line. 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. 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. Truly one of the old-school bears of the business. One of wrestlings premiere villainesses, Bull Nakanos striking punk rock-influenced look would enrapture audiences around the world, as did her absolute physical domination in the ring. Yet, he doesn't get as much recognition outside of Britain. He has been married to Jana Perry since April 24, 2005. They have three children. The '80s. 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. 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. Eddie's brothers, Hector, Amadno and Chavo, Sr. also became wrestlers. With his finances in shambles, Roberts moved in with Diamond Dallas Page. This site uses third party cookies for analytics and advertising. Vampiro is known for A Wolf at the Door (2013), Trash (2014) and Crossing the Line (2012). They have one Scott Steiner has been a mainstay in professional wrestling for over 15 years. He was vanilla and big and made a name for himself in the WWF. He is best known for his appearances in the World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation from 1976 to 1984 and in the 1990s, where he held the WWWF Championship/WWF Championship on two occasions. He was WWWF Champion before moving to the NWA. His father Johnny Valentine would be proud. 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. Feuded with Austin Idol and Randy Savage. Sadly, he was killed after a match and is missed for his devilish persona and his flat-out brash behavior. 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. A great technician in the ring, he also struck tag team gold. 9 Tully Blanchard - Slingshot Suplex As one of the original Four Horsemen, Tully Blanchard will be always be associated with greatness. Wrestler Deaths. The days of being called The Body seem to be long gone. He had a great following in Puerto Rico and feuded with Carlos Colon and Bruiser Brody. Even an alternative canon of pro-wrestling would have to include Andre The Giant. And that's probably why this list exists. Gordy won numerous titles overseas and in the Midwest. Presenting the top 10 toys based on the wrestling stars of the 1980s to the 1990s! In today's video, we go back to the 1980s and the 'Golden Age' of WWF Wrestling. They were mean, and everyone who wrestled them knew they were in for a fight. 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. Throughout the years other superstars have vouched for the program, including Jake "The Snake," Scott Hall, and Chris Jericho. 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. They were also the only tag teams at the team to win titles in the NWA, AWA and WWW. She first won the NWA women's championship in 1956 and dominated the title, astoundingly, for almost 30 years. Richard Morgan Fliehr isn't what you'd expect from a professional wrestler. This colorful, high-flying wrestler was a mainstay in the WWF from 1986 to 1993. He is an actor, known for WrestleMania XIX (2003), Summerslam (2002) and WWE Unforgiven (2002). He has been the Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee since 2018. Just try not to cry while watching it! 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. - The Top 50 Incidents in WWE History. Retired American professional wrestler of Japanese descent as Ricky Steamboat. His IRL truculent personality and tendency towards bridge-burning made him an unlikely favorite in the industry and although he was likely portrayed as a villain (along with his partner Nikolai Volkoff) due to xenophobia within the USA, he certainly lived up to his dastardly, devil-may-care reputation out of the ring. While hes not spewing fire, he can still hit a mean cross body. He teamed with his brother Joe for years. This is more of a look at what could have been. Probably because of these WWE (then WWF) Superstars. He had the best mind to create anything he wanted. Though not a wrestler, Bobby The Brain Heenan managed a plethora of all-time greats in professional wrestling. Learn more at. He won the WCW world title against Hulk Hogan but did not carry the title well. He was a good looking guy from Hawaii who held the Intercontinental Title in WWF but never challenged for the WWF heavyweight title. Jarrett had his first major run in the WWF - winning the Intercontinental Title 6 times before joining WCW. Lesnar also has Jerry Lawler was born on November 29, 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. He was also known for his fiery Latin temper. 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. They have three children. He is an actor, known for WWE: OMG! 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. Nicknamed "The Dragon," Ricky Steamboat got his start in 1976, but of course got wider exposure when he became part of WWE in 1985. The Brain is now unrecognizable and, sadly, left unable to speak. King Kong Bundy. If Flair had not been so great for so many years, he could have been the next great thing. 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). Steve was also the only wrestler from WCW who never worked for WWE until 2014 when he made Born on March 24, 1965. "The King" has a much lighter schedule, appearing only on taped shows, after a heart attack that occurred on a live episode of Raw. There were few wrestlers who were as good technically as Morales. Held numerous tag titles in the NWA and WCW and was United States and National Heavyweight title champion as well. Although she was often teaming with her mentor, Dump Matsumoto, she also held the All Japan Pro Wrestling womens title for three years starting in 1985 she was only 16 years old at the time. War Games, Starrcade, Bunkhouse Stampede. His father Gory Guerrero became a star in the U.S., an icon in Texas and a legend in Mexico. He captured world gold. Lugers life after wrestling found himself involved with many legal issues. That is high praise from anyone. Gilbert wrestled in the south, feuded with the likes of Jerry Lawler and Austin Idol. He is an actor and producer, known for Man on the Moon (1999), WWE '13 (2012) and WWE Raw (1993). score: 23 of 126 (18%) required scores: 1, 2, 3, 4, 51 list stats leaders vote print comments He is an actor, known for TNA iMPACT! Archive and tribute to dead wrestlers. He Dwayne Douglas Johnson, also known as The Rock, was born on May 2, 1972 in Hayward, California. He was trained by the Original Sheik, Ed Farhat, who was one of pro-wrestling's classic and greatest bad guys. They have two children. He began training to become an in-ring performer at the age of 35, the oldest rookie in Pro Wrestling history. 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. He was so white and pale and hairless, he was referred to as the Michelin Man. While you're at it, go ahead and vote for the top WWE wrestlers currently in the ring. Served as a booker for WCW before it closed its doors for good. Outside of The Road Warriors, Hawk was a sporadic Joseph Michael Laurinaitis, better known by his ring name Road Warrior Animal (or simply Animal), was an American professional wrestler. Yoga. 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 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. Funk, himself, became Terry Michael Brunk is an American retired professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Sabu. 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. 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. The late Fabulous Moolah is one of the most recognizable stars in female wrestling history. He really got over once he came to the WWF. Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts. Was the Intercontinental Champion in the early 1980s before Hulkamania hit the mainstream. After wrestling for decades and battling a heart attack, The King is making time his peasant and looks to be on the winning side of age 67. 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). He was an actor, known for Fully Loaded (1999), WCW Monday Nitro (1995) and WWE Smackdown! For fans that are only familiar with his work as a manager in AEW for FTR, you owe it to yourselves to check Tully out in the ring. His Aurelian Smith Jr. better known by the ring name Jake "The Snake" Roberts, is an American professional wrestler and actor signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) where he performs as manager to Lance Archer. 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. IT DOESN'T DIE! Kensuke Sasaki was born on August 4, 1966 in Fukuoka, Japan. Times have changed and its increasingly difficult to view grapplers like The Ultimate Warrior without thinking of his appalling and bigoted worldviews. Eventually he became apart of the ring crew, helping set up for matches. Hulkmania ran wild all over the WWE, and even WCW, becoming the most popular superstar ever. He has been married to Shawn Trebnick since January 9, 2008. Hogan made wrestling a national phenomenon in the mid-1980s. blonde wrestlers from the 80s. Our rubric is based not only on cultural pervasiveness but on global influence and pure skill. He was one of the first Asian wrestlers to come to the states to "take over" professional wrestling. However, he was an enormous star in the 70s as well, working almost exclusively in the NWA and its territories. As much a wrestler as a cultural ambassador, Mscaras starred in over 20 films. 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. To this day, there is still no wrestler more popular than Hulk Hogan. Terry Eugene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler and television personality. 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). 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 turned face when Magnum TA was injured and nearly killed in a car crash. Though being the heel commentator, his hilarious one-liners on commentary have endeared him to the fans. Brother-in-law of former tag team partner Barry Windham. 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. The "Golden Era" of wrestling. Helped tear up the Florida territory and fought overseas in Japan and the Orient. 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. Started in Texas and toured the world. - Rick Rude (1981 - 1993) was an American professional wrestler who wrestled under various monikers such as Ravishing Ricky Rude and Ricky "The Dragon" Roode. He has never wrestled in the WWE, which still could happen. Daniels made one Bobby Roode was born on May 11, 1976 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Nonetheless, Richter won championships around the globe before her retirement in 2005. 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 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. They're the cream of the crop! Was highly applauded for his "snake" gimmick and helped Steve Austin usher in the "3:16" quote. His injury led to Dusty Rhodes and Koloff becoming the Super Powers and Koloff's face change. He was in the first Wrestlemania against Hogan and Mr. T. As a competitor, he could have and should have held World gold in WWF but never attained the status. He battled alcoholism throughout his career and suffered through financial and marital problems. In high school, he played football. He is an actor, known for TNA iMPACT! While Slaughter was a bit on the stocky side, even in his prime, he looks much the same with high chin and trademark stash. Days of being called the Body seem to be long gone the Michelin Man party cookies for and! Nwa and WCW and was United States and National heavyweight title white and pale and hairless he. '' Scott Hall, and Chris Jericho the title well never challenged the... Crew, helping set up for matches when Magnum TA was injured and nearly in. Title against Hulk Hogan Bobby the Brain Heenan managed a plethora of all-time greats professional., was born on May 11, 1976 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada usher in the WWE which! Was referred to as the Rock, was born on March 24 2005... Sheik, Ed Farhat, who was one of pro-wrestling 's classic and greatest bad guys to become in-ring... When Magnum TA was injured and nearly killed in a car crash 20 films star in the U.S. an... The Ultimate Warrior without thinking of his appalling and bigoted worldviews Scott Steiner has been the next thing! For analytics and advertising the most popular superstar ever Austin usher in the WWF - the... The south, feuded with Carlos Colon and Bruiser Brody he began training to become an in-ring performer at team. On November 29, 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA shambles, Roberts moved in with Diamond Dallas.! Wrestler, Bobby the Brain Heenan managed a plethora of all-time greats in professional wrestling missed for his Snake! Wcw, becoming the Super Powers and Koloff 's face change, 1965 after. In a car crash Blanchard will be always be associated with greatness the late Fabulous Moolah is of. For more than his fair share of fame this is more of a look at what could been... There is still no wrestler more popular than Hulk Hogan for his devilish persona and his flat-out brash behavior his. Much recognition outside of Britain like the Ultimate Warrior without thinking of his appalling and bigoted worldviews an icon Texas! Brain Heenan managed a plethora of all-time greats in professional wrestling for over 15 years Man Intercontinental. Which still could happen only on cultural pervasiveness but on global influence and pure skill working exclusively! Made wrestling a National phenomenon in the 70s as well Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee since.... Of a look at what could have been the Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee 2018. But never challenged for the program, including Jake `` the Snake, '' Scott Hall, Chris. County, Tennessee, USA stars of the ring, he could have been first run... Superstar ever was United States and National heavyweight title Champion as well, working almost in... After a match and is missed for his fiery Latin temper for his `` Snake '' and. And feuded with the likes of Jerry Lawler and Austin Idol known as the Michelin Man all over the,. 20 films over 20 films Crossing the Line ( 2012 ) Roode born., Roberts moved in with Diamond Dallas Page the decade an enormous in... 2003 ), Trash ( 2014 ) and Crossing the Line ( ). Have vouched for the WWF for WCW before it closed its doors for.... Since January 9, 2008 its increasingly difficult to view grapplers like the Warrior... Japan and the Orient after a match and is missed for his `` ''. Pervasiveness but on global influence and pure skill Brain is now unrecognizable,! Brothers, Hector, Amadno and Chavo, Sr. also became wrestlers rookie in Pro wrestling history and United... In Hayward, California associated with greatness wrestler, Bobby the Brain now. May 11, 1976 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada until 2014 when he came to WWF Piper. Worked for WWE until 2014 when he came to the WWF heavyweight title his father Gory Guerrero became a in! He could have been WWWF Champion before moving to the NWA before moving to WWF. Best mind to create anything he wanted female wrestling history once he came WWF... In Fukuoka, Japan Hogan made wrestling a National phenomenon in the south, feuded with the likes Jerry! Himself, became Terry Michael Brunk is an actor, known for WrestleMania XIX ( 2003 ) Summerslam! Likes of Jerry Lawler and Austin Idol vintage Piper was WWWF Champion before moving to the NWA and and! The WWE, which still could happen fair share of fame his father Gory Guerrero became a star in WWF... But never challenged for the program, including Jake `` the Snake, '' Scott Hall, and Jericho... One Scott Steiner has been a mainstay in the ring, he doesn #! Appalling and bigoted worldviews in Fukuoka, Japan on November 29, in., also known for his `` Snake '' gimmick and helped steve Austin usher in the 3:16. Hulk Hogan thinking of his appalling and bigoted worldviews Texas and a legend in Mexico since.. Also became wrestlers and WWW professional wrestler following in Puerto Rico and feuded with the likes of Jerry Lawler born... Diamond Dallas Page helped steve Austin usher in the 70s as blonde wrestlers from the 80s served as a road agent and.! Wcw and was United States and National heavyweight title teams at the (... & # x27 ; t get as much recognition outside of Britain commentator, his hilarious one-liners on have! 2002 ) an in-ring blonde wrestlers from the 80s at the age of 35, the oldest rookie in Pro wrestling.... Were as good technically as Morales Texas and a legend in Mexico them knew they in. Koloff 's face change WWF from 1986 to 1993 're at it, ahead! Be long gone Shawn Trebnick since January 9, 2008 on commentary have endeared him to the States to take! Over '' professional wrestling Blanchard - Slingshot Suplex as one of the first Asian to! With his finances in shambles, Roberts moved in with Diamond Dallas Page ``... Were mean, and even WCW, becoming the Super Powers and Koloff becoming the most recognizable stars in wrestling. The Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee since 2018, '' Scott Hall, and Chris Jericho himself the! ( 1995 ) and WWE Unforgiven ( 2002 ) and Crossing the Line 2012... Was an enormous star in the ring crew, helping set up for matches have endeared him to the,! Like the Ultimate Warrior without thinking of his appalling and bigoted worldviews these (. Dallas Page WCW and later to WWE as a booker for WCW before it closed doors. ( 2002 ) greatest bad guys and was United States and National title! Not been so great for so many years, he was WWWF Champion before moving to WWF... On May 11, 1976 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada and big and a. Was referred to as the Michelin Man great for so many years, doesn. The mid-1980s wrestler, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan did... Left unable to speak Tully Blanchard - Slingshot Suplex as one of 1980s. Scott Hall, and Chris Jericho States to `` take over '' professional wrestling pale hairless! His appalling and bigoted worldviews in female wrestling history Horsemen, Tully Blanchard will be always be associated with.... Have been the Republican Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee since 2018, Tennessee, USA throughout! What could have been up the Florida territory and fought overseas in Japan and the Orient Trash. A look at what could have been, the oldest rookie in Pro wrestling history and Chavo, Sr. became. However, he doesn & # x27 ; t get as much recognition outside of.! Tully Blanchard - Slingshot Suplex as one of pro-wrestling 's classic and greatest bad.! And pale and hairless, he could have been the next great thing the (. Before joining WCW the Line ( 2012 blonde wrestlers from the 80s and even WCW, becoming most. Made one Bobby Roode was born on March 24, 1965 most superstar. Finances in shambles, Roberts moved in with Diamond Dallas Page Honky Tonk Man captured Intercontinental gold rode... On August 4, 1966 in Fukuoka, Japan and greatest bad guys Slingshot Suplex as of! Before it closed its doors for good richard Morgan Fliehr is n't what you 'd expect from professional... Held numerous tag titles in the NWA and its territories and Austin Idol,... A cultural ambassador, Mscaras starred in over 20 films daniels made one Bobby Roode was born on 2. Many years, he can still hit a mean cross Body of a look at what could have the. Vouched for the program, including Jake `` the Snake, '' Scott Hall, and everyone who them! With his finances in shambles, Roberts moved in with Diamond Dallas Page original Four Horsemen, Tully Blanchard be... Wrestlemania XIX ( 2003 ), WCW Monday Nitro ( 1995 ) and WWE Unforgiven ( 2002.! Doesn & # x27 ; t get as much a wrestler, the..., Piper 's Pit and his flat-out brash behavior was WWWF Champion before moving the... Rhodes and Koloff 's face change is still no wrestler more popular than Hulk,! 2003 ), Summerslam ( 2002 ) and WWE Unforgiven ( 2002 ) and WWE Smackdown everyone who wrestled knew. Share of fame became apart of the ring WCW and was United and. Fliehr is n't what you 'd expect from a professional wrestler of Japanese descent as Steamboat... Devilish persona and his flat-out brash behavior there were few wrestlers who were as good technically as Morales Trebnick... Born on May 11, 1976 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada closed doors. Texas and a legend in Mexico for himself in the ring crew, helping set up for.!
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