Bruno Sammartino Then Bruno Sammartino, born on October 6, 1935, in Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most revered figures in professional wrestling.  The youngest of seven children, Sammartino faced early adversity when four of his siblings died in infancy.  His family’s journey to America in the 1950s, after […]

Tito Santana Then Tito Santana, born Merced Solis on May 10, 1953, in Mission, Texas, is a renowned figure in the world of professional wrestling.  However, before embarking on his legendary wrestling career, Santana had a promising athletic background rooted in football.  During his college years, Santana attended West Texas State University, now known as

Ivan Putski Then Ivan Putski, born on January 21, 1941, in Kraków, Poland, made a remarkable transition from his early life in Europe to becoming a notable figure in professional wrestling in the United States.  Immigrating to the U.S. at a young age with his family, Putski settled in Texas, where he began to forge

Bob Backlund Then Bob Backlund, born on August 14, 1949, in Princeton, Minnesota, is a notable figure in amateur wrestling.  He began his journey at Princeton High School, where he distinguished himself as a talented wrestler, reaching the state finals. This early success laid a strong foundation for his future achievements. During his time at Waldorf

Sgt. Slaughter Then Sgt. Slaughter, born Robert Rudolph Remus on August 27, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, is a name synonymous with professional wrestling and military-themed personas.  Growing up in Detroit, Remus experienced a formative childhood that shaped his future career. His family later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he attended Eden Prairie High School.  During

Jerry Lawler Then Jerry Lawler, born on November 29, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, experienced a childhood marked by geographical and emotional shifts.  As a young boy, Lawler’s family relocated to Ohio due to his father’s job at a Ford Motor Company assembly plant in Lorain.  This move took Jerry from his birthplace to the small

Dory Funk Jr. Then Dory Funk Jr., born on February 3, 1941, is a significant figure in the world of professional wrestling.  He is the son of Dory Funk, a notable professional wrestler, and the brother of Terry Funk, another celebrated wrestler.  Dory Funk Jr.’s career in professional wrestling began in 1963, following a successful

Terry Funk Then Terry Funk, born on June 30, 1944, in Hammond, Indiana, was destined to be a part of the wrestling world.  His father, Dory Funk Sr., was not only a professional wrestler but also a prominent promoter, making wrestling a family tradition.  After World War II, the Funk family moved to Amarillo, Texas,

Ric Flair Then Ric Flair, born Richard Morgan Fliehr on February 25, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, is widely recognized as one of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures.  His early life, however, began with a unique and somewhat mysterious background.  Shortly after his birth, Flair was adopted, and while it is generally believed that his birth

Hulk Hogan Then Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the most iconic figures in the history of professional wrestling.  Although Hogan is synonymous with professional wrestling, his initial athletic ambitions revolved around baseball.  Growing up in Tampa, Florida, where his family relocated when he was