Stan Hansen Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 26, 2024
Stan Hansen Then
Stan Hansen was born on August 29, 1949, in Knox City, Texas. Before embarking on his professional wrestling career, Hansen was a promising college football player at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University), where he played for the Buffaloes.
His athletic background provided a strong foundation for his later wrestling career.
Hansen initially pursued a career in American football and briefly tried out for the Detroit Wheels of the World Football League in 1974.
When he did not make the team, Hansen transitioned into professional wrestling full-time, setting the stage for a notable career in the sport.
Stan Hansen Wrestling Career
Stan Hansen’s professional wrestling career began in 1973, with his debut marked by a blend of part-time wrestling and attempts to secure a career in football.
His wrestling career took off after he joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) in 1976, where he quickly gained notoriety for his fierce in-ring style and his controversial role in injuring Bruno Sammartino, the reigning WWWF Heavyweight Champion.
Hansen’s reputation as a formidable competitor continued to grow, particularly during his time with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he became a top heel and won the NWF World Title by defeating Antonio Inoki.
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Throughout his career, Hansen was known for his aggressive wrestling style and his ability to work across various promotions.
He had significant stints in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he achieved notable success, including becoming the only wrestler to pin both Antonio Inoki and Giant Baba in singles matches.
Hansen also competed in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), where he won the World Heavyweight Championship, and had memorable runs in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW).
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Despite his success, Hansen’s career was marked by controversies, such as his refusal to drop the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, which led to a dramatic confrontation with the promotion.
His final years in wrestling saw him remain with AJPW through its transition to Pro Wrestling Noah (NOAH), and he retired in early 2001 following a lengthy career that spanned over two decades.
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Stan Hansen Wrestling Competition
- World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF)
- Debut: 1976
- Notable Feuds: Bruno Sammartino, Pedro Morales, Andre the Giant, Bob Backlund
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
- Debut: January 1977
- Notable Matches: Antonio Inoki, Hulk Hogan
- Championships: NWF World Heavyweight Championship
- Notable Feud: Big Van Vader
- All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)
- Debut: 1981
- Notable Matches: Antonio Inoki, Giant Baba
- Championships: Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship, AJPW World Tag Team Championship
- Notable Teams: Bruiser Brody, Terry Gordy, Ted DiBiase, Genichiro Tenryu, Dan Spivey, Big Van Vader
- American Wrestling Association (AWA)
- Debut: 1985
- Championships: AWA World Heavyweight Championship
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- Debut: Late 1990
- Championships: NWA United States Heavyweight Championship
- Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW)
- Debut: August 1993
- Pro Wrestling Noah (NOAH)
- Notable Matches: Feud with Mitsuharu Misawa
- Giant Baba Memorial Spectacular
- Retirement Announcement: January 28, 2001
Stan Hansen Retirement
Following his retirement from professional wrestling in 2001, Stan Hansen underwent significant medical procedures to address injuries sustained throughout his wrestling career.
He successfully had surgery on his back and knee replacements, which marked a significant recovery period.
Hansen’s post-wrestling life saw him transition into a role within the wrestling industry that capitalized on his experience and status.
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He became the commissioner of the Pacific Wrestling Federation, a governing body for the All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) championships.
In this role, Hansen appeared at Triple Crown and World Tag Team Championship matches, where he made official proclamations and contributed to the administration of the titles.
In July 2007, Hansen resigned from his commissioner position, with Hiroshi Hase taking over the role.
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His departure from the position marked a shift in his involvement with the wrestling world, but he remained a respected figure within the industry.
On April 2, 2016, Hansen was honored with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The ceremony was particularly poignant as it was conducted by his former rival and friend, Vader.
This induction acknowledged Hansen’s significant contributions to professional wrestling and his impactful career, further solidifying his legacy within the sport.
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Stan Hansen’s Wife and Children
Stan Hansen’s personal life has seen significant milestones, particularly in his role as a father. Although Hansen often claimed during his wrestling career that he had “9 kids,” he has four children.
From his first marriage, he has an elder son, John III, and a daughter, Elizabeth Hardee.
These children were born during his earlier years and have been part of his life since his rise in the wrestling world.
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Hansen’s family expanded further with his current wife, Yumi. Together, they have two children: Shaver, born on December 19, 1987, and another child, whose details are less publicly known.
Hansen’s life outside the ring has been marked by his dedication to his family, balancing his high-profile wrestling career with his responsibilities as a father.
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Stan Hansen Now
At 74 years old, Stan Hansen, born John Stanley Hansen II, remains a revered figure in professional wrestling.
Known famously as Stan “The Lariat” Hansen, his legacy in the wrestling world is cemented by his distinctive loud-mouthed cowboy persona and his formidable in-ring presence.
Hansen’s career was highlighted by his aggressive style and his reputation for delivering powerful, impactful performances.
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Throughout his career, Hansen achieved significant success, including becoming a four-time AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion, which underscores his prominence in the sport.
His character was memorable not only for its intensity but also for its authenticity, as Hansen’s portrayal of a brash, larger-than-life cowboy resonated deeply with fans and made him a standout performer in promotions around the world.
Although Hansen retired from active wrestling in 2001, he has continued to be an influential figure in the wrestling community.
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His post-retirement years have seen him take on various roles within the industry, including serving as a commissioner for AJPW’s Pacific Wrestling Federation and receiving honors such as his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.
Hansen’s contributions to professional wrestling have left a lasting impact, and he remains a respected and celebrated figure in the world of sports entertainment.
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FAQs
Stan Hansen retired from professional wrestling in early 2001 due to a combination of factors, including persistent back issues and ongoing lumbago.
His physical health was increasingly affected by the demands of wrestling, leading to his decision to step away from the ring.
Stan Hansen gained immense popularity in Japan due to his larger-than-life persona and his reputation for delivering hard-hitting, intense matches.
His brash cowboy character and his genuine wrestling prowess captivated Japanese audiences.
Hansen’s feuds with top Japanese wrestlers like Antonio Inoki and his success in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he became a four-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion, further solidified his status as a major draw in Japan.
Stan Hansen was renowned for his toughness and hard-hitting style. His reputation for delivering stiff, impactful moves, particularly his signature lariat, earned him respect and admiration from both fans and fellow wrestlers.
His ability to maintain a grueling wrestling schedule and engage in intense, physical matches demonstrated his exceptional resilience and toughness throughout his career.