Wrestling Legends of the 1980s: The Fascinating Stories Behind the Superstars

Professional wrestling was once a regional spectacle, but that all changed in the 1980s when the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE, took the sport national. Fans filled massive stadiums, television ratings were sky-high, and larger-than-life stars like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper transcended the sport, appearing on mainstream talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. These figures proved to be more than just capable performers in the squared circle, they became straight-up cultural icons. Here are some of the most memorable stories from wrestling’s golden era.

“Bam Bam” Bigelow

Debuting in 1987, Scott “Bam Bam” Bigelow impressed with agility uncommon for a wrestler his size. But even before he made a career out of grappling in the ring, he had lived a life full of adventure. Bounty hunter. Gunshot survivor. He even got himself locked up in a Mexican prison for a while. How many of us can boast those things? He was, in essence, the world’s most interesting man. He was also a hero of sorts. In 2000, Bigelow risked his life in a house fire, saving three children while suffering burns across 40% of his body. Later, he battled injuries, a failed business, and the challenges of life after wrestling before passing away in 2007.