Old School WWF Wrestlers From The 70s and 80s

Andre the Giant, a French hero, was a wrestling superstar who stood 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighed over 500 pounds.

His gentle giant character and hilarious timing won him fans all over the world. Despite having to deal with physical obstacles, his athleticism and personality shined through in the ring.

He was a popular figure, forging a memorable tag team with Hulk Hogan and mesmerizing fans with his signature power feats.

Even though his career was cut short, Andre's legacy is a testament to his impact on the world of wrestling and popular culture, giving him a place in the hearts of fans for years to come.

Andre was a WrestleMania participant six times, including a famous body-slam match against Big John Studd at WrestleMania III. He also co-hosted the event with Hulk Hogan, solidifying his place in WrestleMania history.

Throughout his career, André held multiple championship titles, including the WWF Championship, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, and the International Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Championship.

His popularity grew outside of the United States, with him being well-known in Japan and Europe, cementing his place as an international wrestling star.

The "Italian Superman," Bruno Sammartino, was more than a wrestler; he was a symbol of strength, tenacity, and Italian pride. He is on the best WWF wrestlers list.

He became a beloved figure in professional wrestling, enthralling fans for nearly three decades, because of his imposing physique and irresistible personality.

Bruno, who was born in Italy and reared in Pittsburgh, overcame poverty and discrimination to become a ring champion.

His precise wrestling technique and famous "bearhug" made him practically unstoppable, and his reign as WWF Champion was the second-longest in history, lasting from 1963 to 1971.

His reign as WWF Champion from 1963 to 1971 was the second-longest in history, lasting 2,803 days. From 1973 to 1977, he retained the title a second time, accumulating a total of 4,040 days as champion, a record that may never be matched.

But his influence extended beyond the championships. He represented the hardships and victories of Italian immigrants in the United States, embodying the American dream.

He also remained involved in wrestling, making appearances on occasion and motivating future generations of wrestlers with his tale and legacy.

He, unfortunately, passed away at the age of 82 in 2018 because of heart problems that caused multiple organ failure.

Dusty Rhodes, often known as "The American Dream," was more than a wrestler; he was a storyteller, a showman, and a pop culture figure.

He grabbed audiences worldwide with his charm, enthusiasm, and larger-than-life presence, leaving an unforgettable impression on the world of professional wrestling.

His stint as champion in the 1970s and 1980s cemented his status as a top wrestler.

In World Championship Wrestling, he held this renowned title, demonstrating his dominance and versatility as a wrestler.

His partnerships with other renowned wrestlers such as Dick Murdoch and Magnum T.A. resulted in several memorable matches and tag team championship reigns.

After he retired from wrestling, he worked as a backstage booker and producer in WWE's NXT developmental division and made infrequent on-air appearances on WWE television and pay-per-views.

Bret Hart, also known as "The Hitman," is a Canadian professional wrestler most known for his impactful career in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

His career spanned five decades, and he won 32 championships in various promotions. His accomplishments reflect his effort, talent, and undying passion for the sport.

Hart was a WWF icon, holding the prized WWF Championship a record five times. His era at the top was defined by enthralling confrontations with legendary wrestlers such as Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, and Steve Austin.

His technical prowess and famous "Sharpshooter" submission have firmly established him as one of the best in-ring performers of all time.

Hart's trophy collection contains an outstanding assortment of titles in addition to the WWF Championship.

He won the WWF Intercontinental Championship twice, the WWF Tag Team Championship twice with his brother-in-law Jim Neidhart as "The Hart Foundation," and the United States Championship once.

Bret Hart also earned the coveted "Triple Crown" status in the WWF by winning all three main singles belts.

He is one of the few wrestlers from the 80s and 90s on the list who played until the last of the 2000s.

Wendi Richter made professional wrestling history as the first World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Women's Champion.

Among many one of the best 80's WWF wrestlers, Richter was chosen as the face of the WWF's newly formed women's division in 1984.

Her athletic experience in gymnastics and martial arts made her a perfect fit for the sport's physically demanding nature. Richter's blonde hair, blue eyes, and engaging grin instantly captivated spectators, making her a wrestling icon.

She beat The Fabulous Moolah at The Big Apple Brunch on July 23, 1984, to become the first WWF Women's Champion.

Richter's stint as champion was enthralling, demonstrating her in-ring abilities and exciting the audience with rivalries with Moolah and other renowned wrestlers such as Leilani Kai.

Randall Poffo, better known as "Macho Man" Randy Savage, was a charismatic and energetic professional wrestler who won fans over with his colorful style and indisputable in-ring talent.

Savage carved his name among the greatest of all time over a storied 32-year career, leaving behind a legacy of championship triumph and unforgettable experiences.

His dominance was evident, with a stunning six world championships to his name.

During his career, he won the WWF Championship twice, first by defeating Ted DiBiase in a spectacular tournament final at WrestleMania IV and then by dethroning Hulk Hogan in a stunning upset.

In WCW, Savage reigned 4 times, winning the World Heavyweight Championship four times, including the first-ever 60-Man Battle Royal in 1995.

The "Nature Boy," Ric Flair, is arguably one of the most decorated and renowned wrestlers in history and is one of the wrestlers from the 80's.

Whilst his career was mostly spent with Jim Crockett Promotions and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), he had a significant impact on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

The legendary player won the WWF Championship twice, first in a stunning upset over Hulk Hogan at the 1992 Royal Rumble and then again in 1993.

These victories solidified his position as a top-tier wrestling player and established him as a potential challenger to the Hulkster's dominance.

His Royal Rumble victory in 1992 was an important moment in wrestling history, as he became the first individual to win the coveted title battle and then go on to win the WWF Championship.

This victory cemented his spot in Royal Rumble history and added to his legendary legacy.

Ric Flair held the WWF Intercontinental Championship twice, competing against wrestlers like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. His high-profile involvement with the title raised its exposure and contributed to its growing significance within the WWF.

Hulk Hogan, is synonymous with professional wrestling, and his influence on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) is possibly unrivaled. He is one of the old school WWE wrestlers.

Hogan's achievements in the WWF secured his place as one of the most legendary figures in sports entertainment history, from capturing spectators with his larger-than-life demeanor to becoming a symbol of American pop culture.

With six victories, Hogan owns the record for the most WWF Championship reigns.

He vanquished legends such as The Iron Sheik, Andre the Giant, and Randy Savage, grabbing hearts and cementing his place at the top of the sport.

Hogan went beyond wrestling to become an internationally recognized name and pop culture figure. His reputation and slogans, such as "Hulkamania is running wild!" and "Whatcha gonna do, brother, when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!" were so popular in 1980s and 1990s pop culture.

He is still a popular figure for generations of fans, and his impact on the WWF and professional wrestling in general will be remembered forever.

Hulk Hogan has also played beyond the 80s so he is one of the wrestlers from the 90s too.

Harley Race, also known as "The King," was a legendary professional wrestler whose supremacy in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and other promotions cemented his place as one of the all-time greats in the ring.

Race competed in the World Wrestling Federation, the National Wrestling Alliance, and World Championship Wrestling.

He was the inaugural NWA United States Heavyweight Champion and an eight-time world champion, having won the WWA World Heavyweight Championship once and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship seven times.

Race is one of six wrestlers introduced into the WWE Hall of Fame, the NWA Hall of Fame, the World Championship Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.

He is largely regarded as one of the all-time great professional wrestlers.

The Ultimate Warrior, born James Hellwig, was a professional wrestler who grabbed spectators with his fierce persona and explosive in-ring technique throughout his time in the World Wrestling Federation.

While his ring career lasted just over a decade, his influence on the sport and pop culture is profound.

Warrior's career culminated in 1990, when he defeated Hulk Hogan in a surprise upset at WrestleMania VI to win the WWF Championship.

This win was a turning point in the WWF, making Warrior's status one of the top talents of the era.

Before his championship win, Warrior held the Intercontinental Championship two times, engaging in memorable rivalries with the likes of Rick Rude and Honky Tonk Man.

These championship reigns highlighted his agility and established him as a rising star in the WWF.

Warrior's arrival was a spectacle in and of itself. His crazy hair, face paint, and ornate ring costume caught his attention immediately and established the tone for his very energetic performance.

His trademark "Warrior's Call" entrance song heightened his intensity and made him instantly recognized by fans.

Abdullah the Butcher one of the wrestlers from the 70's, was a professional wrestler who specialized in brutal matches.

He left an unforgettable impact on the world of wrestling, notably during his best years in the 1970s and 1980s, with his brawling style, fiery personality, and willingness to bleed.

His ring style was characterized by uncontrollable brawling. He used headlocks, chops, and piledrivers to inflict misery on his opponents, and he frequently used foreign items like skewers, chains, and tables to do so.

Abudllah's desire to bleed freely added to the severity of his battles, and his contempt for his safety captivated fans.

His most famous rivalry was with Terry Funk. Their wild fights, which frequently resulted in bloody brawls outside the ring, became synonymous with Abdullah's career and cemented his reputation as a tough competitor.

During his career in the 1970s and 1980s, Blackjack Mulligan was a feared competitor due to his imposing presence and nasty character.

His achievements and influence transcend beyond his in-ring achievements, garnering him a reputation as a hardcore wrestling icon and a mentor to future generations.

Mulligan's most notable accomplishments were with his longtime tag team partner, Blackjack Lanza.

They won the coveted NWA World Tag Team Championship five times as a team, defeating great teams such as The Brisco Brothers and The Valiant Brothers. Their strong reign assured their reputation as one of the NWA's most formidable tag teams.

Mulligan, along with his tag team success, previously held the prestigious United States Heavyweight Championship, defeating Harley Race in a tough struggle.

This individual championship win strengthened his reputation as a dangerous and adaptable opponent.

Luke Joseph Scarpa, better known by his ring moniker Chief Jay Strongbow, was an American professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer.

Strongbow was more than a wrestler; he was a cultural hero who led the way for subsequent generations of Native American artists.

Unlike most of the Native American wrestlers who were portrayed as stereotypical savages, Strongbow was shown as a dignified warrior.

He wore an actual Native American uniform and applied traditional battle paint, challenging stereotypes and raising cultural awareness.

Throughout his career, Strongbow experienced discrimination, yet he never gave up. He stood up to racial booking decisions and wanted respect in the profession. His tenacity and unyielding dignity paved the path for a more diverse wrestling field.

Strongbow's biggest victory came in 1978 when he and his teammate Sonny King won the NWA World Tag Team Championship.

This victory marked a turning point for Strongbow, who became the NWA's first Native American champion.

Afa Anoa'i and Sika Anoa'i were a professional wrestling tag team that dominated the 1970s and 1980s with their imposing appearance and violent in-ring style.

The Wild Samoans' accomplishments and influence extend far beyond their championship reigns, establishing them as famous personalities in wrestling history and pioneers for Pacific Islander representation.

The Wild Samoans won the WWF World Tag Team Championship three times, defeating legends such as Bruno Sammartino and Pedro Morales and The Blackjacks.

Their dominant reign established them as one of the most formidable tag combinations of their day.

Outside of the WWF, the Samoans held the NWA World Tag Team Championship once. This win demonstrated their adaptability and cemented their image as a premier tag team in multiple promotions.

The Anoa'i family, which included Afa and Sika, was instrumental in spreading Polynesian culture within wrestling.

Their influence resulted in the incorporation of Polynesian traditions, music, and language into their tales and presentations, fostering cultural knowledge and understanding.

Stan Hansen, often known as "The Lariat," was a professional wrestler whose tough personality, strong strikes, and unrelenting spirit earned his status as one of the sport's most feared and respected opponents.

Hansen, a true "cowboy", carved his way through the world of wrestling, leaving an indelible legacy.

His most notable accomplishment was winning the AWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1981. This victory cemented his place as the AWA's top star and signaled the start of a strong reign.

Hansen held the renowned NWA United States Heavyweight Championship six times during his career.

His clashes for the title with Ric Flair, Terry Funk, and Dusty Rhodes are considered classics, and they sealed his status as a championship-worth wrestler.

The "Lariat," Hansen's signature or main move, was a running clothesline that could bring down even the toughest opponents. This move was delivered with unrivaled strength and ferocity, making it a feared weapon and an indication of his in-ring domination.

Hansen's characteristic cowboy hat, boots, and clothing demonstrated his true enthusiasm for the cowboy lifestyle. In and out of the ring, he personified the spirit of the West American.

Chigusa Nagayo was an icon and legend in the field of women's professional wrestling, especially with the Joshi Puroresu, a Japanese style.

She established a new path for women in the ring with her charming personality, inventive actions, and unshakable determination, leaving an unforgettable impression on the sport.

Nagayo, unlike most of the female wrestlers of her era who were presented as damsels in distress, defied the norm.

She created a powerful, athletic character in the ring, emphasizing her technical talents and power. This change in presentation set the door for future Joshi wrestlers to adopt a more serious and athletic style.

Nagayo not only excelled at existing moves, but she also invented her own. Her trademark "Nagayo Lock," a double underhook Tapout, became a dangerous finisher, demonstrating her ingenuity and technical brilliance.

Nagayo won the All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling Championship a record ten times, establishing herself as the dominant force in the sport.

Her championship reigns were frequently extended, cementing her legend and drawing attention to Joshi Puroresu.

One of the unique WWF wrestlers from the 80s, Mil Máscaras is a renowned Lucha Libre wrestler who has entertained audiences for decades with his disguised presence and high-flying antics.

He has made an indelible impression on the world of Mexican professional wrestling as one of the "Big Three" alongside El Santo and Blue Demon and has become a cultural icon recognized throughout the world.

The mask is Máscaras' most recognizable characteristic. Throughout his career, he has worn over 200 masks, each with a unique design and symbolizing a different character.

His veiled persona's continual reinvention has added mystique and intrigue, further engaging his fans.

Mil Máscaras used his fame to become a renowned film actor, as he has appeared in several Lucha Libre-themed films, expanding his influence and introducing the sport to a wider audience.

Curt Hennig, also called "Mr. Perfect," was a professional wrestler whose unrivaled technical talents, exquisite timing, and mesmerizing charisma helped him become an integral part of the World Wrestling Federation in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

One of the popular WWF wrestlers of the 80s, Hennig's passion for his craft and flair for storytelling solidified his reputation as one of wrestling's most iconic and recognized performers.

The "Perfect Plex," Hennig's main move, was a piece of beauty. He completed the suplex with pinpoint accuracy and timing, demonstrating his agility and technical proficiency.

This move became synonymous with his persona and cemented his status as an accomplished in-ring performer.

Hennig was the father of wrestler Curtis Axel and the son of wrestler Larry "The Axe" Hennig.

Roddy Piper, better known as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper in the ring, was a professional wrestler who transcended the squared circle, becoming a cultural phenomenon with his remarkable charisma, compelling persona, and outrageous actions.

One of the 80s pro wrestlers, Piper's accomplishments stretched beyond championship reigns throughout his career, establishing himself as one of wrestling's most iconic and important individuals.

Piper was a gifted sportsperson before entering the world of professional wrestling, competing in judo and track & field.

He even finished fifth in the 1972 Canadian Olympic Judo Trials, demonstrating his sportsmanship and laying the path for his future success.

Piper began his wrestling career in 1973 and rapidly rose to prominence because of his charisma and flair.

He debuted in the World Wrestling Federation in 1984, quickly becoming a fan favorite due to his loudmouth antics and in-ring aggressiveness.

He had notable rivalries with Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, and Ric Flair, competing for the WWF Championship and establishing his position as a top performer.

After quitting the WWF in 1996, he moved on to World Championship Wrestling, where he thrived.

With Hulk Hogan and Scott Hall, he founded the famed "nWo" faction, which revolutionized the wrestling landscape and drew large television viewerships.

The Iron Sheik was a professional old school wrestling player whose controversial actions, and surprisingly swift in-ring style left a lasting mark on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

While his career was frequently tarnished by scandal and political incorrectness, his unmistakable charm and entertainment value cemented his place in the 1980s WWF landscape.

He had a successful amateur wrestling career before entering the realm of professional wrestling, ending in a silver medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

During his WWF career, the Iron Sheik had several interesting rivalries, most popularly against Bob Backlund, Sgt. Slaughter, and Hulk Hogan.

In 1983, he challenged Backlund for the WWF Championship, demonstrating his legitimacy as a legitimate fighter despite his outlandish image.

The Iron Sheik will always be regarded as a divisive yet entertaining figure in professional wrestling.