Top 100 Wrestlers Of The 80s: Unsung Heroes You Might Have Missed

The 1980s were a golden era for professional wrestling, a time of larger-than-life characters, captivating storylines, and packed arenas. While Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Andre the Giant often dominate the conversation, the decade was brimming with talent beyond the main event scene. This article shines a spotlight on 100 wrestlers from the 80s whose contributions, though perhaps less heralded, were undeniably vital to the sport's growth and enduring appeal. These are the unsung heroes, the workhorses, and the unique personalities that deserve recognition for their impact.

We're going beyond the household names to explore the depth and breadth of wrestling talent that truly made the 80s the decade it was. Prepare to rediscover some familiar faces and be introduced to some hidden gems.

Understanding the Criteria

Before diving into the list, it's important to define our criteria. This isn't solely about championship reigns or main event status. We're considering factors such as:

  • In-ring ability: Technical skill, athleticism, and believability.

  • Character work: Memorability, charisma, and connection with the audience.

  • Contribution to storylines: Their role in advancing narratives and building feuds.

  • Impact on regional promotions: Influence within specific territories.

  • Longevity and consistency: Sustained performance throughout the decade.

    • This list is subjective, of course, but aims to be representative of the diverse talent pool of the 80s, encompassing various styles and promotions across North America and beyond.

    The List: 100 Wrestlers Who Shaped the 80s (In No Particular Order)

    Due to the sheer volume, we'll present the list in groups, highlighting key accomplishments and attributes of each wrestler.

    Group 1: The Technician Titans

    These wrestlers were known for their technical prowess and ability to deliver compelling matches regardless of their opponent.

  • 1. Bret Hart: Before his "Hitman" persona, Bret was a rising star in the tag team division and a respected in-ring competitor.

  • 2. Owen Hart: Often overshadowed by his brother, Owen was a supremely gifted athlete and a natural showman.

  • 3. Ricky Steamboat: A master of the arm drag and high-flying maneuvers, Steamboat brought athleticism and intensity to every match.

  • 4. Tito Santana: Known for his "Flying Jalapeno" and relentless energy, Santana was a consistent performer in the WWF.

  • 5. Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig: Technically sound and incredibly arrogant, Mr. Perfect was a believable heel with a knack for making his opponents look good.

  • 6. Dynamite Kid: A revolutionary wrestler who combined speed, power, and high-flying moves.

  • 7. Davey Boy Smith: Known as the British Bulldog, he was a powerful and charismatic wrestler who could also fly.

  • 8. Jake "The Snake" Roberts: A master of psychology and storytelling, Roberts captivated audiences with his chilling promos and methodical in-ring style.

  • 9. Ted DiBiase: The "Million Dollar Man" was a wealthy heel who used his money to buy his way to the top.

  • 10. Randy Savage: "Macho Man" was known for his intensity, athleticism, and flamboyant personality.

    • Group 2: The Tag Team Titans

    The 80s saw the rise of many great tag teams, and these wrestlers were key components of those teams.

  • 11. Jim Neidhart: The Anvil, power behind the Hart Foundation.

  • 12. Greg Valentine: The Hammer, a rugged and tough wrestler.

  • 13. Brutus Beefcake: The Barber, known for cutting his opponents' hair.

  • 14. Rick Martel: Model, part of Strike Force and later a singles competitor.

  • 15. Tom Zenk: Partner of Rick Martel in Strike Force.

  • 16. Arn Anderson: A member of the Four Horsemen.

  • 17. Tully Blanchard: A member of the Four Horsemen.

  • 18. Stan Hansen: A brawling powerhouse known for his stiff strikes.

  • 19. Bruiser Brody: A wild and unpredictable brawler.

  • 20. Terry Gordy: A member of the Fabulous Freebirds.

    • Group 3: The Regional Rivals

    These wrestlers were dominant forces in specific territories, often achieving legendary status.

  • 21. Dusty Rhodes: A charismatic everyman who connected with audiences on a deep level.

  • 22. Magnum T.A.: A rising star with a bright future cut short by a career-ending injury.

  • 23. Kerry Von Erich: Part of the legendary Von Erich family.

  • 24. Kevin Von Erich: Part of the legendary Von Erich family.

  • 25. David Von Erich: Part of the legendary Von Erich family.

  • 26. Wahoo McDaniel: A Native American wrestler known for his intensity and toughness.

  • 27. Harley Race: A tough and respected veteran.

  • 28. Jerry Lawler: The King of Memphis wrestling.

  • 29. Bill Dundee: A popular wrestler in the southern territories.

  • 30. Austin Idol: A charismatic heel in Memphis wrestling.

    • Group 4: The International Icons

    These wrestlers brought their unique styles and perspectives to the American wrestling scene.

  • 31. Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama): A revolutionary high-flyer from Japan.

  • 32. Kendo Nagasaki: A mysterious and intimidating Japanese wrestler.

  • 33. The Great Muta: A Japanese wrestling legend known for his innovative moves.

  • 34. Riki Choshu: A prominent Japanese wrestler.

  • 35. Tatsumi Fujinami: A Japanese wrestling legend and former IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

  • 36. Antonio Inoki: A Japanese wrestling legend and founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

  • 37. Mil Mascaras: A masked Mexican wrestling legend.

  • 38. Dos Caras: A masked Mexican wrestling legend.

  • 39. El Canek: A popular Mexican wrestler.

  • 40. Andre the Giant: While a main eventer, his global impact earns him a spot here.

    • Group 5: The Heels We Loved To Hate

    These wrestlers excelled at playing the villain, drawing heat and driving storylines.

  • 41. King Kong Bundy: A massive and intimidating wrestler.

  • 42. Nikolai Volkoff: A Russian heel who often teamed with Iron Sheik.

  • 43. Iron Sheik: An Iranian heel who often teamed with Nikolai Volkoff.

  • 44. The Honky Tonk Man: An Elvis impersonator who was a surprisingly effective heel.

  • 45. Adrian Adonis: A flamboyant and controversial heel.

  • 46. Rick Rude: A cocky and arrogant heel.

  • 47. Paul Orndorff: Mr. Wonderful, a powerful and athletic heel.

  • 48. Dick Murdoch: A brawling and unpredictable heel.

  • 49. Blackjack Mulligan: A tough and rugged heel.

  • 50. Kamala: The Ugandan Giant, a fearsome and intimidating heel.

    • Group 6: The High-Flyers

    These wrestlers brought aerial acrobatics to the ring, captivating audiences with their daring moves.

  • 51. Jimmy Snuka: Superfly, a pioneer of high-flying wrestling.

  • 52. The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty): A high-flying tag team.

  • 53. Koko B. Ware: A high-flying wrestler with a colorful personality.

  • 54. Jumping Jim Brunzell: Part of the Killer Bees tag team, known for their agility.

  • 55. Terry Funk: A hardcore legend who could also fly.

  • 56. Sabu: Known for his extreme and dangerous style.

  • 57. The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers): A high-flying tag team.

  • 58. The Youngbloods (Mark & Chris Youngblood): A high-flying tag team.

  • 59. Maxx Payne: A unique and athletic wrestler.

  • 60. Shane Douglas: Before his ECW days, he was a promising high-flyer.

    • Group 7: The Powerhouses

    These wrestlers relied on their strength and size to dominate their opponents.

  • 61. Lex Luger: The Total Package, known for his physique.

  • 62. Scott Steiner: A powerhouse wrestler with a mean streak.

  • 63. Rick Steiner: A powerhouse wrestler and brother of Scott Steiner.

  • 64. Hercules Hernandez: A powerful and muscular wrestler.

  • 65. One Man Gang: A massive and intimidating wrestler.

  • 66. Big John Studd: A giant of a man and a formidable opponent.

  • 67. Earthquake: A massive and destructive wrestler.

  • 68. Dino Bravo: A powerful and muscular wrestler.

  • 69. Bad News Brown: A tough and intimidating wrestler.

  • 70. Hillbilly Jim: A lovable and strong wrestler.

    • Group 8: The Character Actors

    These wrestlers brought unique and memorable characters to life, adding depth and entertainment to the wrestling world.

  • 71. Rowdy Roddy Piper: A charismatic and controversial heel.

  • 72. Junkyard Dog: A popular and energetic wrestler.

  • 73. George "The Animal" Steele: A wild and unpredictable wrestler.

  • 74. Captain Lou Albano: A legendary manager.

  • 75. Bobby Heenan: A legendary manager.

  • 76. Slick: A sleazy and entertaining manager.

  • 77. Miss Elizabeth: A beloved and iconic female figure.

  • 78. Sensational Sherri Martel: A talented and memorable female wrestler and manager.

  • 79. Luna Vachon: A unique and intimidating female wrestler.

  • 80. Madusa Miceli (Alundra Blayze): A skilled and athletic female wrestler.

    • Group 9: The Solid Hands

    These wrestlers were consistent performers who could be relied upon to deliver solid matches.

  • 81. SD Jones: A reliable jobber who made his opponents look good.

  • 82. Barry Horowitz: A jobber who famously claimed to pat himself on the back.

  • 83. Lanny Poffo: The Genius, a talented wrestler and poet.

  • 84. Paul Roma: A solid and athletic wrestler.

  • 85. Jim Powers: A solid and athletic wrestler.

  • 86. Boris Zhukov: A Russian wrestler who often teamed with Nikolai Volkoff.

  • 87. The Barbarian: A powerful and intimidating wrestler.

  • 88. The Warlord: A powerful and intimidating wrestler.

  • 89. Sika: A member of the Wild Samoans.

  • 90. Afa: A member of the Wild Samoans.

    • Group 10: The Future Stars

    These wrestlers were just starting to make a name for themselves in the 80s and would go on to achieve greater success in the 90s.

  • 91. Steve Austin: Before Stone Cold, he was Stunning Steve.

  • 92. Mick Foley: Before Mankind, he was Cactus Jack.

  • 93. Triple H: Just starting out in the late 80s.

  • 94. The Undertaker: Making his debut in the late 80s.

  • 95. Bill Goldberg: Started training in the late 80s.

  • 96. Chris Benoit: Beginning his career in the late 80s.

  • 97. Eddie Guerrero: Starting his career in the late 80s.

  • 98. Dean Malenko: Starting his career in the late 80s.

  • 99. Perry Saturn: Starting his career in the late 80s.

  • 100. Raven: Beginning his career in the late 80s.

Conclusion

This list represents just a fraction of the incredible talent that graced the wrestling rings in the 1980s. These wrestlers, though often overlooked, contributed significantly to the sport's popularity and helped pave the way for future generations. By remembering their contributions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the golden era of professional wrestling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why aren't certain main eventers like Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair heavily featured on this list?

This list aims to highlight wrestlers who are *often* overlooked. While main eventers certainly deserve recognition, they already receive significant attention.

Q2: How were the wrestlers chosen for this list?

The selection process was based on the criteria outlined earlier: in-ring ability, character work, contribution to storylines, impact on regional promotions, and longevity. Subjectivity is inherent in any "best of" list.

Q3: Are these wrestlers ranked in any specific order?

No, the wrestlers are presented in groups based on their style or area of influence, but there is no specific ranking within each group.

Q4: What if I disagree with some of the inclusions or omissions?

That's perfectly fine! This list is intended to spark discussion and encourage fans to remember and appreciate the diverse talent of the 80s. Wrestling fandom is subjective.

Q5: Where can I find matches featuring these wrestlers?

YouTube, the WWE Network, and various streaming services offer a wealth of classic wrestling footage. Searching for specific wrestlers or events from the 80s will yield many results.