Best Wrestlers Of The Golden Era, Ranked By Their Physique

In the 1980s, the WWE exploded in popularity, evolving from the regional Northeastern territory into a national phenomenon. While it was Vince McMahon’s insatiable appetite that fueled their growth and his vision that guided them, it was the wrestlers who the fans gravitated towards. The 1980s also coincided with the emergence of performance-enhancing drugs in professional wrestling, as well as an influx of weight-lifters and bodybuilders.

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All of those factors created a perfect storm, culminating in some of the greatest physiques in wrestling history; a quality that separated some of the Golden Era’s brightest stars from their contemporaries. Many of the 1980s greatest stars were larger than life, both figuratively and literally. These are the 10 best wrestlers of the Golden Era, ranked by their physique.

10

Rocky Johnson

The Rock Inherited His Father’s Incredible Genes

The “Soul Man” was one of the most physically imposing athletes of the Golden Era. Not only was Rocky Johnson’s physique aesthetically impressive, but he was extraordinarily explosive despite his 6’2”, 243 pound frame.

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So, it was no surprise that his son, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, was an equally imposing athletic specimen. Today, Johnson is known more, anecdotally, as The Rock’s father. However, Johnson had a terrific career in his own right, becoming the first black tag team champion in WWE history.

9

Tony Atlas

Tony Atlas Was Named “Mr. USA” Three-Times

Tony Atlas was more than a gifted professional wrestler. He was a highly decorated powerlifter and bodybuilder, earning the esteemed “Mr. USA” honor three-times. So, it’s unsurprising that Atlas earned the name “Black Superman,” thanks to his incredible feats of strength.

Atlas won the World Tag Team Championship in 1983 alongside Rocky Johnson, becoming the first black black tag champions in WWE history.

8

Paul Orndorff

Paul Orndorff’s Physique Was Positively Wonderful

When Paul Orndorff arrived in the WWE in late 1983, “Mr. Wonderful” quickly became a fixture of the company’s programming with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper as his manager. Naturally, the heel-duo became Hulk Hogan’s nemeses, with both men challenging Hogan for the WWE Championship. Their feud happened to coincide with the Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Connection, culminating in the main event of the inaugural WrestleMania.

Orndorff was a tremendous athlete, having played collegiate football at the University of Tampa. However, at 6’0” and 252 pounds, it was Ordorff’s tremendous physique that set him apart from his competition.

7

Ricky Steamboat

“The Dragon” Was A Competitive Bodybuilder In The 1980s

Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat was the consummate white-meat babyface, known for his impeccable work in the squared circle. However, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion was also a former competitive bodybuilder. Even after Steamboat retired from competitive bodybuilding, he continued to place a premium on his physique.

Not only was Steamboat a physical specimen, but his conditioning was equally superb. Steamboat was famous for his ability to perform hour-long broadway matches with Ric Flair, despite how impressive his physique was.

6

Road Warrior Hawk

The Road Warriors Were The Most Physically Imposing Team In Wrestling History

The Road Warriors were the most physically imposing tag team in professional wrestling history. However, it was Road Warrior Hawk in particular who was the most physically impressive.

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At 6’3” and 275 pounds, Hawk’s large frame was only amplified by his monstrous physique. His trapezius, deltoid, biceps, and pectoral muscles were enormous and well-defined. It’s no surprise that the Road Warriors ran roughshod over the AWA, NWA, and WWE.

5

Tom Magee

Tom Magee Earned A WWE Contract On His Physique Alone

Tom Magee is a rather obscure name in WWE history; who’s often forgotten, because he never truly materialized as a true wrestler. In fact, Magee only wrestled 37 matches in the WWE. His first contest was an infamous dark match against WWE legend, Bret Hart, where Magee shockingly defeated Hart.

Magee’s only strength was his incredible physique. Vince McMahon thought the former powerlifter and strongman’s body alone would translate to success. Unfortunately, Magee never progressed beyond his debut in the squared circle, proving to have no innate talent as a professional wrestler.

4

Kerry Von Erich

Kerry Von Erich Was A Tremendous Athlete

Kerry Von Erich was a member of the legendary Von Erich family. However, before Kerry dove head first into the family business, he was an Olympic hopeful. Unfortunately, President Jimmy Carter’s boycott of the 1980 Olympics ended his dreams of competing in the discus throw.

Of all the Von Erich brothers, Kerry was certainly the most aesthetically striking. However, the “Modern Day Warrior’s” incredible physique and 6’2”, 254-pound frame belied his sheer explosiveness. While Von Erich eventually captured the WWE Intercontinental Championship, he was also a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion – defeating Ric Flair shortly after his brother’s passing.

3

Lex Luger

Lex Luger Really Was The “Total Package”

Long before Lex Luger became professional wrestling’s “Total Package,” he was a talented football player – who played in both the collegiate and professional ranks. After being released by the Green Bay Packers in 1983, Luger briefly competed in the USFL, before transitioning to professional wrestling.

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After two years in the business, Luger became the Four Horsemen’s young lion as the “Total Package.” While Luger was still incredibly new to pro-wrestling, it was his incredible physique and staggering frame that fueled Luger’s success. Luger was one of wrestling’s most imposing and aesthetically impressive athletes, which fueled his later success in the 1990s.

2

Rick Rude

Rick Rude’s Physique Really Was Ravishing

“Ravishing” Rick Rude excelled in wrestling’s subtleties, establishing himself as one of the most exceptional heels of his era, both in and out of the ring. However, Rude’s acumen in the ring and brilliant mind for the business were matched by his incredible physique. At 6’3” and 252 pounds, Rude’s large frame was bolstered by his sheer muscular definition.

Rude was known for his core, particularly his six pack abs. When Rude eventually began to airbrush his trucks, his hip swivel became an iconic part of his presentation.

1

The Ultimate Warrior

The Ultimate Warrior Had An Otherworldly Physique

Jim Hellwig, better known as the Ultimate Warrior, was size personified. So, it’s unsurprising that, before Hellwig ever considered becoming a professional wrestler, he was a competitive bodybuilder. At 6’2” and 280 pounds, Hellwig was a hulking monster of a man – whose sheer size alone amplified his unique gimmick.

As The Ultimate Warrior, Hellwig’s physique looked like it was of supernatural origins. In a way, it certainly was, albeit not the primordial energies that Hellwig constantly referred to. However, in conjunction with his face paint, ring attire, and over-the-top mannerisms, Hellwig’s extraordinary physique made him the supposed heir apparent to Hulkamania in the late 1980s; culminating in him defeating Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 6 for the WWE Championship.