Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. This man was probably the most famous wrestler in the world. He was born in 1915, and revolutionised pro wrestling in the 40s and 50s with his ring persona, a persona that has been copied more than any other. Although he made a fortune from wrestling, he lost it all through bad investments, and died, virtually penniless, from a heart attack on Boxing Day, 1963, aged only 48. Who was this wrestling legend?
2. This wrestler was born in 1945, and began wrestling professionally at the age of 17. By the time he was in his twenties, he had already become a main-eventer, being particularly successful in Florida. He was recognised as a superb technical wrestler, and was briefly considered as a future World Champion. He later became an effective heel. He was killed in a plane crash on February 20, 1975, aged 29, in an accident which also injured wrestlers Buddy Colt (Ron Reed), Austin Idol (Dennis McCord), and Gary Hart. Who was this young superstar?
3. This second-generation star was born in 1958, and followed in his father's footsteps, debuting in the ring in 1980. After learning his trade in Pacific Northwest and WWF, he ventured to the AWA, where he eventually won the top belt. Always the consummate professional in the ring, he always seemed to have a spot in the top promotions, and was either loved or hated, but never ignored. He was found dead in a hotel room on 10th of February 2003, at the age of 44. Who was this 'perfect' wrestler?
4. This man actually lived to a reasonable age, but his family suffered a lot of early tragedy. In fact, his family are known as much for tragedy as they are for their contribution to wrestling.
He had six sons, five of whom followed him into wrestling, and five of whom died tragically early. He was the owner of World Class Championship Wrestling in Texas from 1966 to 1991. He died of cancer, aged 68, on Sept 10, 1997. What was the ring name of this star?
5. This wrestler, born in 1878, was arguably the first pro wrestling 'superstar' in America. He was recognised as World Champion in the US until his retirement in 1916. After a short time as a referee, he died of uremis poisoning on December 16, 1917, aged only 39. His 'unification' match with "The Russian Lion" George Hackenschmidt, in Chicago in 1908, is still discussed by wrestling historians. Who was this legend?
6. This "big" star began wrestling in 1964, aged 18, and was almost immediately recognised by promoters as "box office gold". After a few years alternating between Canada and Japan, he was brought into the US by Verne Gagne to compete in AWA. He ventured to WWWF, and was a fixture there for the rest of his career, being loaned out to other promotions, but always being under contract to the McMahons. He was, next to Muhammed Ali, the most recognisable 'sports' star of the 70s, and universally loved by the fans until a famous "heel turn" in 1987. After being virtually crippled by illness, he retired from the ring in 1992. On January 27, 1993, he died, aged 46, of a heart attack while attending his father's funeral in France. Who was this 'huge' star?
7. Another second-generation star, this lady was a huge star in the 70s. She was born in 1951, and followed her father and uncle into the wrestling game in the late 60s. Recognised as one of the top lady wrestlers of the early-to-mid 70s, she won the AWA World title in 1971. After marrying fellow wrestler Buddy Wolff, she disappeared from the wrestling scene. Aged 40, she died in a motor vehicle accident, along with her daughter, on August 25, 1991. Who was this lady?
8. This wrestler was born in 1948, and began wrestling around Montreal in the late 60s. He was originally a very popular technical, high-flying wrestler, and was involved in an alliance called 'The Italian Connection'with Dominic DeNucci, Gino Brito and Tony Parisi. Eventually he became an international star, winning the WWWF Tag title as well as the Canadian Heavyweight title. After a little time off the scene, he returned as an overtly muscular brawler, barely recognisable to those who knew him from years earlier. After retiring in 1992, his name became linked with a cigarette smuggling syndicate, and he was shot in his home on March 11, 1993, aged 44. Who was this star?
9. This Polynesian wrestler was a world traveller, establishing a reputation as a popular and entertaining worker during the 50s and 60s. He became a big star in California in the 70s, and after a national tour, becam a star in WWWF, wrestling Superstar Billy Graham for the World title. He had a change of heart in the late 70s, feuding with then-champ Bob Backlund, before going back to California. He died of cancer on June 13, 1982, aged only 47. His legacy has been carried on by his grandson. Who was this tattooed warrior?
10. One of the most controversial, as well as most revered, wrestlers of all time was born in 1946, and played pro football in Texas before turning to wrestling in 1974. He was an instant success in Florida, Australia and Texas, where he was given the name "King Kong". After a brief stint in WWWF, he became a world traveller, and was idolised in Japan in particular. His end came tragically in a dressing room scuffle with another wrestler, who stabbed him, and he died on July 17, 1988, aged 42.
Who was this 'free spirit'?
Source: Author
Dalgleish
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor
JuniorTheJaws before going online.
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