Where are they Now .....1980s wrestlers

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

In the 1980s, pro wrestling went from regional events to national, prime-time ones. This was spearheaded by the risk-taking owner of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), who rode the fame of stars such as Hulk Hogan, the late Andre the Giant and Randy Savage to take wrestling to the peak of its popularity.

The WWF was able to reach new audiences by cross-promoting with this cutting-edge network and bringing in stars such as this '80s pop queen and this tough-guy actor.
Catch up with a few of wrestling's blasts from the past.

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

Randy Savage

Known by this macho name in the ring, Savage (see pics) took wrestling to a new level with his international fame. (Watch videos.) He became well known for this catchphrase and recognizable for his attire.
He used this diving drop to finish off many of his opponents. Since retiring, Savage has played a role in this 2002 blockbuster film and released a rap album.

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

Ted DiBiase

This wrestler, who went by a wealthy nickname, became well known by this trademark and his finisher, which sent opponents straight to dreamland. During his career, DiBiase (see pics) won 30 titles (watch videos), and since he retired, all three of his sons have followed in his footsteps. Meanwhile, DiBiase has found a higher calling in his life.

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

Jake Roberts

Roberts may be best known for inventing this famous finishing move, used frequently in wrestling now. Watch videos of him in action. He earned this slithering nickname by bringing this animal into the ring to intimidate opponents. Since retiring, Roberts (pics) has had a rocky battle with drug addiction, documented in this 1999 film.

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

Sting

This wrestler, whose real name is this, was known as the "franchise" for this wrestling organization, where he won six of his 13 titles. Watch videos of him in action.

His signature move left many opponents pounding the mat in pain. Currently, Sting (pics) is wrestling for this organization. He is an active member of his church, and his son plays this all-American sport.

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

Rowdy Roddy Piper

Though Piper (pics) is Canadian, his story line billed him as coming from this country. At the age of 15, Rowdy became the youngest wrestler to debut as a pro. See videos of him in action. As his career progressed, he became known for this finishing move. Piper has continued to make sporadic WWE appearances. He was also diagnosed with this disease in 2006.

JudgeWapner · Aug 12, 2010

I think most made the natural progression to directing.

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

Jesse The Body Ventura

Ventura (pics) shot to the top of wrestling with this finishing move. Watch videos of him in action. The Navy veteran retired in 1984 because of blood clots in his lungs as a result of this agent, which he was exposed to in this infamous war. Ventura continued to play a role in wrestling part-time and also as a color commentator.

In 1991, he began his career in politics, which culminated as the governor of the North Star State from 1998 to 2002. Since then he has admitted to using this performance-enhancing drug and been a talk show host.

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

Ultimate Warrior

His official name is now Warrior (pics), but he was given this name at birth. Warrior became known for this burly finishing move, in which he took a running splash onto an opponent's back or front. Watch videos of him in action. In 1999, Warrior retired from wrestling and since has taken up a career in public speaking, writing and blogging.

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

Hulk Hogan

During the early 1980s Hogan's switch from this wrestling organization to the WWF was central to the astronomic popularity both Hogan (pics) and the WWF enjoyed. Watch videos of him in action. Hogan, who was billed as the working-class hero, earned his nickname "Hulk" after being compared to this comic-book hero. In 1987, his title match with Andre the Giant drew more than 90,000 fans, as Hulk beat Andre to keep his title belt. A whole new generation now knows Hogan after the success of this reality show, which helped launch his daughter's singing career.

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

Ric Flair

Flair, who earned this natural nickname, is still one of the most popular pro wrestlers. Watch videos of him in action. He was recognizable for his robes, signature shout and this finishing move. He was a member of this famous wrestling entourage. His career lasted through 2009, and in 2008 he became the only active wrestler to receive this honor. As a tribute to his popularity, he has been given the keys to six different cities.

Betallsports · Aug 12, 2010

Iron Sheik

The wrestler, whose real name is this and who was born in this Middle Eastern country, first rose to popularity when he dethroned this six-time, reigning champion with this finishing move. Watch videos of him in action. The Sheik (pics) was cast as a heel largely because of this controversy involving the United States and Iran. The Sheik adopted an Iranian caricature costume by shaving his head and growing this kind of mustache. The Iron Sheik later gained popularity as a regular guest on this profane radio show.

billhill999 · Aug 12, 2010

Hogan is running TNA now, Flair manages AJ Styles also in the TNA.
Ventura is running his mouth about all sorts of conspiracies, I think Ultimate Warrior is no longer with us.
I drank once with DiBiase, now I hear he's sober and such, his kid is very good wrestler.
Piper is still battling diseases.

D2bets · Aug 12, 2010

What about all the Von Erich's?

scanz · Aug 12, 2010

DiBiase might be my fav of all time...loved his walkin music

Donnybasbl · Aug 12, 2010

Ultimate Warrior is still alive.

4 of the 5 wrestling Von Erich sons are dead. Kevin is the only one still alive. 3 of them committed suicide.

celticGreen+ · Aug 12, 2010

not trying to start anything, but are people still "loyal" to the wwe? it seems impossible, as they provide so little for the stars that made them the beast they were (and to some extent are today). very much like the ufc, where sure, Hogan will never go without meal... But a lot of guys have, and it's not always a case like Jake Roberts where the money has been pissed away.

it bugs me in the same way as seeing other former pro athletes (especially football players) pennyless bugs me - as fans we take so much from them, how many conversations over beers, how many bets, how many people have we met, while being entertained... and how little do some of these guys get rewarded? and far worse are the entities they worked for.

KingofNicotine · Aug 12, 2010

CelticGreen, it's all Vince's fault. The guy is nothing more than a slave driver. He gets credit for being a good businessman and all that but they don't take into account how bad they treat their employees.

I know Hulk and other wrestlers hate Vince and WWE but sadly they were forced to work for Vince as he was the biggest company out there.

CoachCB · Aug 12, 2010

Florida Championship Wrestling w/ Gordon Solie was awesome! I watched it all through the late 70's and early 80's as a kid.

Wrestling was different back then, as there were different leagues or federations (or whatever they called them; Texas - w/ the Von Erich's, FCW w/ the Assassin's, Brisco's, Funk Bros. etc)...but they all would spend a few months in the different federations...until WWF came about.

Rick Flair is a huge Gator fan. He's been on the sidelines at plenty of bowl games and in Gainesville. Hilarious!

---

noPunter · Aug 12, 2010

Betallsports said:
The wrestler, whose real name is this and who was born in this Middle Eastern country, first rose to popularity when he dethroned this six-time, reigning champion with this finishing move. Watch videos of him in action. The Sheik (pics) was cast as a heel largely because of this controversy involving the United States and Iran. The Sheik adopted an Iranian caricature costume by shaving his head and growing this kind of mustache. The Iron Sheik later gained popularity as a regular guest on this profane radio show.

Loved old school wrestling. This is a picture of the Original Shiek Ed Farhat with an inset picture of the Iron Sheik. 2 totally different guys.

Where are they Now .....1980s wrestlers

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