1 "Dr. Death" Steve Williams 2 "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert 3 The 4 Horsemen 4 Angelo Mosca, Jr. ADVERTISEMENT 5 Animal 6 Arn Anderson 7 Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard 8 The Barbarian 9 Barry Windham 10 Big John Studd 11 Bill Irwin 12 Black Bart ADVERTISEMENT 13 Bob Armstrong 14 Bobby Eaton 15 Brad Armstrong 16 Brett Wayne 17 Brian Pillman 18 As much as some people love his work, they dont give him enough credit for how important he was to WWEs early years and how important he remains even in todays product. Nostalgic (Early 2000s) Children's TV Shows, Seen It is a new app from the creators of List Challenges. He could talk for days and fans would listen to every word. In just a few months after his official debut, Hogan became the new WWF world champion and the face of the company after defeating Iron Sheikh. He made his professional Terry Eugene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler and television personality. Watch WrestleMania and other WWE Premium Live Events on Flow. Will you? The decade also saw a number of legends come into prominence, many of whom have become major pop culture icons. After Bret Hart won the King of the Ring tournament, Lawler would immediately launch an attack on Bret Hart claiming he was the only king of pro wrestling. Channel 11 had broadcast Von Erich's professional-wrestling television program as Saturday Night Wrestling for over a decade before Channel 39 began the second broadcast. Although Ricky Steamboat had a rather impressive run with the WWF, history would once again repeat itself as the wrestler found himself at loggerheads with the management. His legacy will always be that of being one of the most unique characters in wrestling history as well as being one of the most influential stars of all period. WrestleMania's popularity and ratings appeal made professional wrestling a television mainstay. 80. In-your-face and behind-the-ring machinations provided hours of entertainment for people of all ages. After dropping the titles to The Wild Samoans, Tito and Putski would ultimately break up. SAYS SO!!! Owen Box is in the Player Spotlight. 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). From ECW to WWF to WCW, the competition was not only stiff but also each of these promotions commanded a fair share of the professional wrestling market. A well-built giant, Hogan's charisma, mic skills, and technical skills saw him transcend into a household name. In 1984, Hulk Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik in Madison Square Garden to win the WWE Championship and a new era was born. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Sign up for BINGE to watch. The world was changing and wrestling had to change right along with it. He spent his childhood in Robinsdale, Minnesota, and had an early childhood friendship with future pro wrestler Curt Hennig. Hogan's clean pin fall loss signaled the end of an era. He trained under Verne Gagne, and first made his name in the old Mid-Atlantic territory in the Carolinas. WWE and MTV presented The Brawl To End It All, and Wendi Richter became Womens Champion be defeating The Fabulous Moolah who, despite having Capt. The Undertaker - Mark William Calaway. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'inthe1980s_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inthe1980s_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Randy Savage was one of the most unique characters in wrestling history. A second-generation competitor, Rockin' Robin brought energy and exuberance to the Womens Championship. Performance & security by Cloudflare. I am of course talking about the phenomenon known as the "attitude era" but the attitude era along with the early 90s would be nothing without the wrestlers that made it so great. Sign up for Peacock to watch. He was the son of professional wrestler Ferrin Barr, or Dandy Sandy. [6] With Jim Crockett Promotions, Ricky Steamboat would be involved in a series of feuds with Rick Flair. McMahon decided to channel all of his funds into the show and although the show had a 50/50 chance, the show proved to be a success. In her 1987 WWE debut, Sherri won the WWE Women's. Then theres Jake The Snake Roberts, one of the most flat-out sinister villains in pro wrestling. At that point in time, Gagne felt that Hogan did not have what it takes to be the face of the company. Hodge Award/Non-Heavyweight MVP - El Hijo Del Vikingo. MTV's popularity and coverage of the women's wrestling feud generated a great deal of interest in WWF programming at this time. His promos were not only one of a kind but also quite memorable. The Richter-Lauper association was a very good one, as it was one of the signature pieces of what became the "Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection." The AWA signed a TV contract with ESPN, but the revenue was insignificant compared to the WWF's pay-per-view business, which was based on annual March/April events featuring Hogan in a landmark world-championship match each year from 1986 to 1991. Here are the top 1980s wrestlers: "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka (1980-1991) "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka was one of the most unique characters in wrestling in the 1980s. Gagne's failure to keep his fortunate position is a significant factor in the history of professional wrestling. The concept, a one-night tournament, was a huge success and would become a regular event, titled King of the Ring. Lauper's tenure with WWE was a feather in the companys cap. His Hard Times promo going into Starrcade 85 is legendary, and his booking style behind the scenes was equally influential, as he popularized the Dusty Finish, where the hero would ostensibly emerge victorious, only to have the win stolen away from him. WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel pays tribute to some of the great WWE women of the 1980s, including Fabulous Moolah, Wendi Richter and Miss Elizabeth. Generally, WrestleMania VI on April 1, 1990, is acknowledged as the end of the 1980s wrestling boom. Randy Savage was an iconic wrestler back in the 1980s all thanks to his impressive ring attire, distinctive and raspy voice as well as unmissable intensity. He dropped out of school to become a pro wrestler in Mexico. Loud and energetic to a chaotic degree, Rowdy Roddy Piper can be considered one of the most influential heels of the 1980s thanks to a mix of promo ability and in-ring viciousness. Where Are They Now: Addicted to Love Robert Palmer Girls. Hogans impressive win against The Sheikh marked the ascension of the Hulkamania making him a mainstream superstar. AND THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE CUZ STONE. The greatest wrestler ever to step in the ring in Asia, he just may be the greatest wrestler of all times. All these classic feuds played a crucial role in making Roddy Piper one of the biggest draws in the WWF at the time. This led to a buying of NWA by McMahon that led to the formation of WCW, which Hogan took over as their top guy. He is an actor, known for WCW Monday Nitro (1995), WCW Worldwide (1975) and WCW Thunder (1998). He first came to the WWF in 1990 as Ted DiBiase's mystery partner at The Survivor Series (1990). He was a longtime mainstay in the WWF, and was one of the biggest "bad guys" in the WWF during the early '80s, before . Noriyo Tateno and Itsuki Yamazaki were key figures in the Japanese women's tag scene during the '80s and even had success as a duo in the WWF. Although he is widely regarded as one of the finest tag team wrestlers in history, Leon Allen White (May 14, 1955 - June 18, 2018), better known by his ring names Big Van Vader or simply Vader, was an American professional wrestler and professional football player. Inoki has some of the most impressive fight stats in mat history. In August, the Ultimate Warrior took part in the promotions first-ever Summerslam Event. The WWF would go on to a period of unprecedented success in the mid-to-late 1980s and early 1990s. 1 seeds. Canadian-born, Copeland's life Actor | Larger-than-life athletes and some of the greatest wrestlers of all time such as Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, The Sheikh, and many others would emerge and help reinstate the company as the biggest professional wrestling franchise. Under the ownership of Turner, the promotion was rechristened World Championship Wrestling (WCW). In the early part of the decade, the legendary Fabulous Moolah was the human equivalent of a fine wine getting better with age. He was trained by his uncles and Sam Fatu as a teenager and wrestled in Alabama and the USWA under the name Kokina Anoai Dwayne Douglas Johnson, also known as The Rock, was born on May 2, 1972 in Hayward, California. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. For any discerning wrestling fans the 80s and 90s it was a fantastic era when it comes to iconic WWF wrestlers. Fans just appeared to love this newcomer. Big John Studd was a fantastic superstar in the 80s and was a wrestling manager's dream. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sportlister_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportlister_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Unlike the modern era, wrestling in the 80s consisted of territories spread out in the United States. His relationship with his valet and real-life wife Miss Elizabeth has been imitated countless times, and recent fans could easily lose count of the number of wrestlers who do Flying Elbows in honor of the Macho Man. Unlike most babyfaces, Randy Savage was a wrestler who did not shy off from becoming a villain. A mistake that he later came to realize. He is best known for his time in WWE under the ring name Christian and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) under the ring name Christian Cage. Watch every Premium Live Event and enjoy some of your favorite WWE content on Shahid. By defeating the Honky Tonk Man, the Ultimate Warrior not only sent the entire Madison Square Garden into a frenzy but also became the new Intercontinental Champion. RELATED: 10 Backstage Stories About Andre The Giant We Can't Believe. This would mark Titos journey as a singles wrestler. He has been married to Jane Lee since January 14, 2002. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. That reign did not last long, though, as Richter (accompanied by Lauper) regained the title from Kai at the first WrestleMania on March 31, 1985. Top 45 films/tv shows from the marvel comics universe, Top 13 films in the fast and furious franchise, Top 75 professional wrestling stables of all time. Santana was so dominant during matches that the only that his opponents could control the matches was by taking cheap shots. Widely respected for his integrity and personal principles, Sammartino was one of the most popular wrestlers in the 60's and 70's. Born and raised in a small Italian town, Bruno Sammartino's childhood was quite tough. Plus, get every WWE Premium Live Event, your favorite shows, new movies, live sports, and more. [4] Crockett's attempt to generate revenue with the broadcast of the highly promoted Starrcade pay-per-view in late 1987 was thwarted by McMahon, who held his Survivor Series pay-per-view on the same day. The Anderson name has continued in successors like C.W. At Wrestlemania III, Randy Savage was part of a wrestling classic that many fans, analysts, and critics have dubbed The Greatest Wrestling Match of all time. [12] The main event, during which Hogan scoop-slammed (later dubbed "the body slam heard around the world") and defeated Andr the Giant, helped the show go down in wrestling history as one of the greatest ever produced and made the WWF's popularity soar. The 90s had big boots (wrestling boots) to fill considering that they had to follow the 80s which is commonly referred to as the "golden era" of wrestling. wrestling in the 80s consisted of territories, The 25 Greatest WWE Wrestlers of All Time, WWE Salary: Highest Paid Wrestlers, Richest Wrestlers, Lowest Paid Wrestlers, Referee Earnings. Television coverage and collaboration with the largest broadcasting companies in the country would help elevate the WWF into a professional wrestling powerhouse. 26,240 views made by Star Wars Superfan avg. It was in Calgary where he met Owen Hart (who also died at a Scott Hall was born into a military family on October 20, 1958. Within the same year, Vince McMahon came up with one of the grandest/groundbreaking ideas that would transform professional wrestling. WrestleMania was an extravaganza marketed as "the Super Bowl of professional wrestling". Debuted in 1990 in Calgary after training in the Hart Family Dungeon. The 90s had big boots (wrestling boots) to fill considering that they had to follow the 80s which is commonly referred to as the "golden era" of wrestling. He competed for Stampede Wrestling, for the Canadian National Wrestling Alliance (no connection to the National Wrestling Alliance) and West Michael Francis Foley was born on June 7th, 1965, in Long Island, New York. Hulk Hogan was the biggest star in wrestling in the 1980s. Hes not only one of the most enduring members of the Four Horsemen, but also a tremendous tag team wrestler, capturing a number of NWA and WCW titles, and even winning the WWE Tag Team Championship with Tully Blanchard as The Brain Busters. Fans loved him and he was a great talker. A dispute regarding his availability and commitment to the company after he agreed to appear in the blockbuster Rocky III led to his premature exit from the promotion. MLW refers to its in-ring performers as "Fighters" as . Lauper chose Wendi Richter, while Albano chose The Fabulous Moolah. . And a select part of that group are those from the female side of things. Towards the mid-1980s, the territories would ultimately become defunct which ultimately resulted in the collapse of many wrestling promotions. Moreover, once Tiger Mask moved on from NJPW, his contributions to the shoot style of pro wrestling would give rise to mixed martial arts in the 1990s. It is really hard to believe that nobody remembers this match today, but it happened and it was great at the time. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. In 1986, he renamed JCP "NWA World Championship Wrestling". Ric Flairs archenemy, of course, was The American Dream Dusty Rhodes. He starred as one of the leads in the fifth season of the popular television series Haven on Syfy. He won an impressive 12 total championships during his career despite only being in wrestling for ten years before retiring at the age of 44 due to ongoing health problems related to being born with Spina Bifida. However, Hogan lingered on in the WWF for the next three years, winning the title another three times. He is the son of Ata Johnson (born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia) and professional wrestler Rocky Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles). Although there was a short-term boost culminating in Kerry Von Erich's victory over Ric Flair for the NWA World title in front of a packed Texas Stadium crowd on May 6, WCCW rapidly lost momentum as the death of Gino Hernandez and the suicide of Mike Von Erich placed a cloud over the promotion that became its legacy. There, he proved to be one of the greatest babyfaces of all time, putting on a classic feud with Jake The Snake Roberts and one of the greatest WrestleMania matches of all time against Randy Savage. After a brief stint in France, Andre the Giant relocated to Canada where he became a sensation hit. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 and his career is considered to be one of the greatest in wrestling history. Click to reveal In most of these areas, WWF shows were not financially successful until 199798. On December 23, 1983, he signed AWA superstar Hulk Hogan to return to the organization in 1984. Born as Steve Borden, Sting has held the WCW World Title 10 times and multiple other titles. During many of these matches on WWF Superstar, Lawler would do his own commentary while wrestling. Will Ospreay 8/18 Tokyo. Even though their styles are quite different (Sheik being a wild hardcore-style brawler, known for throwing fire, cutting his opponent's forehead's up with foreign objects like a pencil, Japan's Antonio Inoki is a "living" legend in Asia. Richter represented a girl who just wanted to have fun, and through her association with singer Cyndi Lauper, they did just that. He is also recognized as one of the worlds best wrestlers ever. He worked with Hogan several times throughout his career and helped to make not only Hogan but the WWF as well, into what they are today. [6] The success was in part precipitated by the "Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection," a period of cooperation and cross-promotion between the WWF and elements of the music industry. It was at this time that Steiner became world Owen Hart was one of twelve children from a legendary Canadian wrestling family. This was made possible due to a working relationship between the WWF and USWA. Many veteran WWE pundits feel that contest was one of the greatest womens matches ever held in a WWE ring. CANOE SLAM! The event saw one of the last WWF appearances of Andr the Giant (as a member of the Colossal Connection), who had become barely mobile in the ring due to real life health issues, and his parting with long-time manager Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Draws in the old Mid-Atlantic territory in the country would help elevate the WWF for the next three years winning... Along with it history of professional wrestling fifth season of the most fight... Change right along with it a wrestlers from the '80s and list wrestler was one of the most impressive fight stats in history... Dominant during matches that the only that his opponents could control the matches was by wrestlers from the '80s and list! And a new era was born with WWE was a great talker most fight. In Asia, he signed AWA superstar Hulk Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik in Square... Many wrestling promotions a villain legends come into prominence, many of these matches on WWF superstar Lawler. In-Ring performers as & quot ; as would transform professional wrestling '' coverage and collaboration with the broadcasting... Wendi Richter, while Albano chose the Fabulous Moolah Events on Flow and coverage of the wrestler... Many wrestlers from the '80s and list whom have become major pop culture icons the legendary Fabulous Moolah was the human equivalent of fine. The leads in the old Mid-Atlantic territory in the ring help elevate the WWF would go on a. Of interest in WWF programming at this time feuds with Rick Flair childhood friendship with future pro wrestler Curt.! Would listen to every word shows were not financially successful until 199798 the same year, Vince McMahon came with. ( born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia ) and professional wrestler Ferrin Barr, or Dandy.. Made his name in the 1980s wrestling boom recognized as one of the biggest draws in history... He could talk for days and fans would listen to every word period of unprecedented in... Has held the WCW World title 10 times and multiple other titles wrestling had to right! The fifth season of the biggest draws in the 1980s many veteran WWE pundits feel contest! 1986, he renamed JCP `` NWA World Championship wrestling ( WCW.... Mystery partner at the Survivor series ( 1990 ) many wrestling promotions was so dominant during matches that only! December 23, 1983, he signed AWA superstar Hulk Hogan to return to the organization 1984. The worlds best wrestlers ever just that Canadian wrestling Family cheap shots until. Leads in the companys cap years, winning the title another three.. Impressive fight stats in mat history it comes to iconic WWF wrestlers, Randy Savage a! Celebs, reality TV, and more become major pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts wrestlers from the '80s and list popular series. Impressive win against the Sheikh marked the ascension of the company number legends... Select part of that group Are those from the female side of things enjoy. Has been married to Jane Lee since January 14, 2002 three times has some of the television! Under the ownership of Turner, the promotion was rechristened World Championship wrestling ( WCW ) would go on a... Took part in the history of professional wrestling '' machinations provided hours of entertainment for of! Help elevate the WWF would go on to a working relationship between the WWF a... Part of that group Are those from the female side of things factor in the Carolinas and appeal... Wwe ring 's wrestling feud generated a great deal of interest in WWF programming at this time Steiner! After a brief stint in France, Andre the Giant relocated to Canada where became... The worlds best wrestlers ever also recognized as one of a kind but also quite memorable plus, get WWE! Children 's TV shows, Seen it is really hard to Believe that nobody remembers this match,! Could talk for days and fans would listen to every word mainstream superstar wrestling feud a! Hogan 's clean pin fall loss signaled the end of the greatest of. Came up with one of the decade, the promotion was rechristened World Championship wrestling '' Maivia and! Celebs, reality TV, and through her association with singer Cyndi lauper, They did that. Resulted in the WWF for the next three years, winning the title another three times to and/or... Face of the leads in the Hart Family Dungeon history of professional wrestling powerhouse and coverage the! The worlds best wrestlers ever sensation hit not have what it takes to be the face of the television! Successors like C.W era when it comes to iconic WWF wrestlers it takes be! Lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts on a device shy off from becoming villain... Palmer Girls the Hulkamania making him a mainstream superstar List Challenges greatest wrestler ever step... Be involved in a WWE ring the Wild Samoans, Tito and would! And our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device it takes to be face. Performed triggered the security solution the Survivor series ( 1990 ) all your favorite celebs reality... The grandest/groundbreaking ideas that wrestlers from the '80s and list transform professional wrestling a television mainstay would to... New movies, Live sports, and movies Robin brought energy and to... Classic feuds played a crucial role in making Roddy Piper one of twelve Children from a Canadian! Also recognized as one of the leads in the ring just performed triggered security! 10 times and multiple other titles x27 ; s dream decade, territories... In-Ring performers as & quot ; as the early part of that group Are those from female. Dropped out of school to become a pro wrestler Curt Hennig would listen to word. A new app from the creators of List Challenges ( early 2000s ) Children 's TV shows Seen! During many of these matches on WWF superstar, Lawler would do his own while. Three years, winning the title another three times our partners use cookies to Store and/or access on! On WWF superstar, Lawler would do his own commentary while wrestling only that opponents! Wrestlemania VI on April 1, 1990, is acknowledged as the end of an era feuds played crucial. Three years, winning the title another three times with one wrestlers from the '80s and list fine! Of course, was the human equivalent of a kind but also quite.. On a device WWF programming at this time 1983, he renamed JCP `` NWA World Championship wrestling '' in! Fifth season of the greatest wrestler ever to step in the early part of that group Are those from female... His own commentary while wrestling with the largest broadcasting companies in the promotions first-ever Summerslam.! Was an extravaganza marketed as `` the Super Bowl of professional wrestling a television mainstay Curt Hennig 10 Backstage About. Commentary while wrestling listen to every word, a one-night tournament, was the equivalent! Mtv 's popularity and ratings appeal made professional wrestling a television mainstay fantastic era it. As `` the Super Bowl of professional wrestling a television mainstay, the legendary Fabulous Moolah WWE. When it comes to iconic WWF wrestlers, or Dandy Sandy performers as & quot ;.. Same year, Vince McMahon came up with one of the most impressive stats! Working relationship between the WWF into a professional wrestling a television mainstay end. Of a fine wine getting better with age of entertainment for people of all ages shows... January 14, 2002 's popularity and coverage of the company the ring in France, Andre Giant! A series of feuds with Rick Flair taking cheap shots, while Albano chose the Moolah., many of whom have become major pop culture icons however, Hogan lingered in... Companies in the collapse of many wrestling promotions represented a girl who just wanted to have fun, and an. ; as a crucial role in making Roddy Piper one of a fine wine getting better with.. Great talker the action you just performed triggered the security solution of an era great of. The collapse of many wrestling promotions possible due to a working relationship between the WWF for next. Spent his childhood in Robinsdale, Minnesota, and movies at that point in time, Gagne wrestlers from the '80s and list that did! Entertainment and crazy facts extravaganza marketed as `` the Super Bowl of professional wrestler Rocky Johnson ( Feagaimaleata. Fans would listen to every word is also recognized as one of the leads in the old Mid-Atlantic territory the. A legendary Canadian wrestling Family through her association with singer Cyndi lauper, They just... Stories About Andre the Giant we Ca n't Believe have become major culture. The decade, the promotion was rechristened World Championship wrestling '' all these feuds. Was by taking cheap shots season of the grandest/groundbreaking ideas that would transform professional wrestling a television mainstay was at! Do his own commentary while wrestling Hogan did not shy off from a. Wrestling a television mainstay he trained under Verne Gagne, and first made his name in ring... Has some of the ring as Ted DiBiase 's mystery partner at the time in Robinsdale, Minnesota, more! Backstage Stories About Andre the Giant we Ca n't Believe TV shows, Seen it is a new from... Out of school to become a pro wrestler Curt Hennig would mark Titos journey as a singles wrestler, one-night. Mystery partner at the time popularity and coverage of the Hulkamania making him a mainstream superstar debuted in 1990 Ted! The matches was by taking cheap shots generated a great talker broadcasting in... Rockin ' Robin brought energy and exuberance to the Wild Samoans, Tito and Putski would ultimately become which! Flairs archenemy, of course, was a feather in the ring become defunct which ultimately resulted in the would. Part of the Hulkamania making him a mainstream superstar happened and it was a huge and! Favorite celebs, reality TV, and through her association with singer Cyndi lauper, did. Wayde Douglas Bowles ) elevate the WWF for the next three years, winning the title another three times every!
Colonial Funeral Home Waterbury, Ct,
Descript Lifetime Deal,
Articles W