Paul Orndorff Then Paul Orndorff, born on October 29, 1949, in Winchester, Virginia, was a standout athlete in college football before transitioning to professional wrestling.  At the University of Tampa, Orndorff made a significant impact as a fullback, accumulating 21 career touchdowns and over 2,000 all-purpose yards.  His impressive performance earned him a place in […]

Rick Martel Then Rick Martel, born on March 18, 1956, in Québec City, Canada, hails from a family deeply rooted in the world of professional wrestling.  His entry into the wrestling world came at a young age when, at just seventeen, he stepped into the ring to replace an injured wrestler.  This opportunity was presented

Bam Bam Bigelow Then Bam Bam Bigelow, born on September 1, 1961, in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, had a diverse and challenging early life before making his mark in professional wrestling.  Attending Neptune High School in Neptune Township, New Jersey, Bigelow excelled in sports, earning varsity letters in both football and wrestling.  His wrestling career

Davey Boy Smith Then Davey Boy Smith, born on November 27, 1962, in Golborne, England, was a prominent professional wrestler whose early life was marked by both challenges and interests that shaped his character.  Raised in a close-knit family, Smith grew up with his father Sid, his mother Joyce, and his siblings Terrence, Joanne, and

Dynamite Kid Then Dynamite Kid, was born on December 5, 1958, in Golborne, Lancashire, England.  His upbringing was deeply rooted in a tradition of physical prowess and competitive sports.  His family background played a significant role in shaping his future career.  Both his father, Bill Billington, and his uncle, Eric Billington, were boxers in their

Jim Neidhart Then Jim Neidhart, born on February 8, 1955, in Montebello, California, was an athlete with a promising future in strength-oriented sports from a young age.  His talent became evident during his time at Newport Harbor High School, where he excelled in track and field events, particularly in shot put.  In 1973, Neidhart set

King Kong Bundy Then King Kong Bundy, born Christopher Alan Pallies in Woodbury, New Jersey, on November 7, 1955, grew up in a working-class family.  His father, Donald Pallies, was a railroad freight agent, while his mother, Margret (McCarthy) Pallies, worked as a department store clerk.  Growing up in Sewell, New Jersey, Bundy attended Washington

Nikolai Volkoff Then Nikolai Volkoff, born Josip Hrvoje Peruzović on October 14, 1947, in Glen Arm, Maryland, is a notable figure in professional wrestling whose early life and background were steeped in athleticism and cultural complexity.  Growing up in the Socialist Republic of Croatia, then part of Yugoslavia, Volkoff’s upbringing was influenced by a rich

Tony Garea Then Tony Garea, born Anthony Gareljich on September 20, 1946, in Auckland, New Zealand, is a notable figure in the world of professional wrestling.  Tony, the son of Ivan Gareljich, a Croatian immigrant, has a diverse heritage that includes both Yugoslavian and Irish roots.  Before making his mark in wrestling, Garea excelled in

Don Muraco Then Don Muraco, born on September 10, 1949, in Hawaii, United States, has a deep Native Hawaiian heritage.  Raised in Hawaii, Muraco excelled in athletics from a young age. In 1967, he earned recognition as a Hawaii state amateur wrestling champion while attending Punahou School, showcasing his wrestling talent early on.  Despite initial