Back in the day when the premiere wrestling promotion was the WWF, there were a number of classic wrestlers that I think started the themed/storyboarding of today’s stars.

I decided to compile a list of my favourite wrestlers from the WWF days, and here they are (in no particular order):

Andre the Giant

This guy was huge, and was aptly named the 8th wonder of the world. I saw him live back in the 80s, and was lucky enough to stand next to him to get a real idea of just how big he was (I think 7’4″ from memory).
Unfortunately, his gigantism caused him great pain throughout his body, and sadly passed away in 1993 in his sleep.

Rowdy Roddy Piper

Piper was the guy who always dressed in a kilt, yet didn’t have a scottish accent (although he did have a Scottish background). He wasn’t a big guy, but was full of spontaneity and quick wit. even though he was on of the ‘bad guys’, you kinda liked him for his personality.

The Junkyard Dog

More commonly known as JYD, he was most known for his head butt and upper-body strength, the latter of which saw him regularly body slam such large wrestlers. The word “thump,” which referred to JYD’s power slam, was prominently displayed on his wrestling trunks. I particularly liked the head but because he would get on all-fours (like a dog) and charge at his opponent.

Bret “The Hitman” Hart

The hitman had a cool persona – the wet hair look, sunglasses, a cool walk, and the infamous pink tights. His signature move was the ‘sharpshooter, but was more famous when he teamed with his brother-in-law, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, in the classic Hart Foundation team. And who can forget their manager, Jimmy Hart.

Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat

Ricky was one of the most liked good guys of the WWF, and kept his babyface/young look throughout his career. His father was Hawaiian, and mother Japanese American, hence his Asian features which were crucial for his “Dragon” gimmick.

The Iron Sheik

Standing 6’0″ and dressed as a sheik with pointed shoes and a handlebar mustache, the man who once served in his homeland’s army arrived during the Iran Contra affair, played an American-hating Iranian to derisive crowds.
While his usual partner Nikolai Volkoff, would sing the Russian national anthem, the Iron Sheik would say in a heavily accented voice, “Iran, number one. Russia, number one. USA…” He would then spit on the ground. It was only an act, but crowds loved to hate him.

Randy “Macho Man” Savage

Another ‘cool’ wrestler, Savage was recognizable by wrestling fans for his distinctively deep and raspy voice and his ring attire (often comprising sunglasses, a bandana or head band, flashy robes, and a cowboy hat).
For much of his tenures in the WWF, he was managed by his real life wife, “Miss Elizabeth” Hulette (who can forget her!).

Hulk Hogan

Say no more. He was widely regarded as the most successful, famous, and biggest draw in the history of professional wrestling. And he was very marketable (remember Hulkamania?). The list of achievements and titles is a huge one, and crowds would go absolutely wild when he appeared. For a full list of achievements, check out his entry in Wikipedia.