Before the Attitude Era, professional wrestling was much different. The 80’s gave us a host of different unique wrestlers looking to find their way to fame and to our hearts. Since 80’s were quite a long time ago, it would be a good idea to refresh our memories and take a look at some of the superstars that were active in the period. Here is a look at some of the 80’s best stars and what they’re doing today.
Best Wrestling Superstars of the 80’s
Jerry “The King” Lawler
At the very beginning of our list is Jerry Lawler, known in professional wrestling circles as The King. To the general public, Lawler is perhaps best known for his feud with the comedian Andy Kaufman, although he later confirmed it was all kayfabe. In 1999, he appeared in the Man on the Moon, portraying himself and reenacting the infamous feud. Since then he has worked and achieved fame as wrestling commentator. In 2012 he had a heart attack, while on the air. However, he plans on coming back to the ring in the near future.
Bam Bam Bigelow
Bam Bam Bigelow was a professional wrestler loved by the crowd. He was extremely agile for a man of his size and extremely entertaining. Although it was expected of him to become a heel upon joining WWF, instead he opted for a babyface. This choice, however, reflected in his life, as well, since in 2000 he rescued three children from a fire. He burnt half of his body in the process (as if he predicted it with those fiery outfits), but soon recovered. In 2005 he got the media’s attention again due to his child support lawsuit, and just two years later, he died from a drug overdose.
Dynamite Kid
Dynamite Kid is yet another sad story in the world of professional wrestling. A powerful performer once, he is now wheelchair-tied since his left leg is completely paralyzed. This is due to many injuries he sustained during his career. Some believe that it is his trademark diving headbutt that is ultimately to blame for his current condition. Since the paralysis, he has become a recluse, only agreeing to an interview for a CNN documentary about wrestling. He said that because of the injuries, he won’t be able to walk ever again.
Big Van Vader
One of the most terrifying wrestlers in all its history, Big Van Vader, started his career in football, but was forced to retire because of a fractured patella. His wrestling career began in American Wrestling Association as Baby Bull and Bull Power, but it is his persona of Big Van Vader, an agile psychotic wrestler with a freaky mask, that ultimately earned him fame. After he retired, he coached a high school football team, and helped raise money for the earthquake-struck Japan. He tried to come back to the ring, but it is most likely that his son will take over.
Ultimate Warrior
Ultimate Warrior was the first wrestler to ever hold both WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion and WWF World Heavyweight Championship title at the same time. In 1993, he had his name changed officially to Warrior. After he retired from wrestling, he went on to become a public speaker and expressed his anti-gay attitudes. He died of a heart attack in 2014, following his appearance both on Wrestlemania XXX and Raw.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
