Beyond Body Slams and Neon Spandex: 80s WWF Wrestling
The wrestling scene of the 1980s wasn’t just about body slams and grappling; it was a vibrant spectacle that carved its place into the heart of pop culture. As I unravel the neon spandex-covered memories, let’s step into the ring of nostalgia and explore the wild world of 80s WWF Wrestling and its larger-than-life personalities.
Growing up in the era of “Hulkamania,” my first entrance into the mesmerizing world of professional wrestling was like a suplex into pure entertainment. Iconic names like Hulk Hogan, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and the Ultimate Warrior were larger-than-life superheroes with chiselled physiques and personas that transcended the squared circle.
The Rise of 80s WWF Wrestling Superheroes
If you were an 80s kid, you’ll remember the electric energy every time Hulk Hogan ripped his shirt off, flexing those pythons, and the crowd went wild. It wasn’t just a wrestling match; it was a spectacle, a theatrical performance that unfolded before our eyes every week on our floor model cathode ray television sets.
The soundtrack of wrestling added to the excitement as each wrestler had their own “theme song” that would be blasted whenever they made an appearance. The best theme songs were instantly recognizable within the opening seconds. Often igniting the in-person and at home audience’s anticipation of the arrival of their favourite performer. The Hulkster’s OG theme: “I am a real American” was probably the most recognizable in the 80s.
Wrestling Superstars in Pop Culture
The charisma of these wrestling titans wasn’t confined to the ring; it spilled over into our daily lives. Action figures, lunchboxes, and even Saturday morning cartoons brought these larger-than-life characters closer to our hearts. Who could forget the animated adventures of Hulk Hogan and his band of animated wrestling pals?
The 80s wrestling scene was as much about physical skill as it was a about flamboyant personalities. “Macho Man” Randy Savage, with his signature raspy voice and bedazzled robes, brought a unique intensity to the ring. His interviews were like poetry in motion. Full of machismo and the kind of bravado that you couldn’t help but imitate when playing with your plastic wrestling action figures.
And then there was the Ultimate Warrior, a whirlwind of neon face paint and high-octane energy. His entrance was a frenzied sprint to the ring, shaking the ropes in a display of sheer power. Warrior’s matches were like watching a comic book come to life. Every move and slam magnified by his explosive presence.
The Diverse Cast of Wrestling Characters
Beyond the headliners, the 80s WWF wrestling scene had its ensemble of unforgettable characters. From the lovable Junkyard Dog to the menacing King King Bundy, each wrestler brought their own flair to the ring.
The drama wasn’t limited to the scripted matches; it extended to the soap opera-esque storylines that kept us hooked week after week. What was unique about wrestling was that sometimes the bad guy (or the “heel”) won. This made tuning in all the more exciting as you never knew who was going to come out on top.
Heck, I can remember watching Maple Leaf Wrestling or it might’ve been WWF Cavalcade (the Canadian version WWF Challenge) one Sunday afternoon, and seeing the Brooklyn Brawler actually win a match!
While the Warrior was definitely my favourite superstar, I had also developed a special fondness for some of the underdogs and other lesser-known wrestlers too. I remember cheering for The Widowmaker, probably because I had his action figure. The short-lived tag team: Power and Glory featuring Hercules and Paul Roma was also one of my faves.
Thinking of tag teams, no Canadian kid would be able to deny our adoration of Bret the Hitman Hart. The neon pink and black Hart Foundation unitard was right in step with the glam metal music scene of the era. Their rivalry with the glam-inspired “Rockers” tag team was legendary.
In the golden era of 80s wrestling, the show was about way more than just body slams and dropkicks. It was about storytelling, creating narratives that blurred the lines between reality and fiction. Feuds were epic rivalries filled with drama, plot twists, and turns that left us on the edge of our seats.
The Darker Side of the WWF
Despite the glitzy facade and larger-than-life personas, the world of 80s wrestling was not immune to its darker underbelly. One glaring issue that marred the industry was the prevailing sexism. Evident in the often-objectifying portrayal of female wrestlers and the limited opportunities afforded to them.
Female competitors were frequently cast in secondary, decorative roles, emphasizing looks over athletic prowess. While a handful of trailblazers like the Fabulous Moolah and Wendi Richter emerged, the overall treatment of women in the industry during the 80s reflected societal norms of the time. Perpetuating stereotypes and hindering the progress of female wrestlers.
The 80s wrestling scene also faced criticism for its glorification of violence, both inside and outside the ring. While the scripted nature of matches was mostly understood, the boundary between entertainment and real-life aggression blurred at times. Leading to instances of genuine animosity and altercations between wrestlers.
This culture of aggression sometimes spilled into the backstage dynamics, contributing to a tense environment. Additionally, the choreographed violence in the ring, while thrilling for fans, raised concerns about the impact on the performers’ well-being. The toll of relentless physicality and high-stakes matches took a toll on wrestlers’ bodies, with long-term health consequences becoming more apparent in the years that followed.
It may be hard to remember now, but their were way more wrestling production companies than just the WWF on the 80s. However, Vince McMahon’s aggressive, no-holds-barred expansion strategy disrupted the historic alliance of smaller regional promotions during this era. By the end of the 80’s the WWF had expanded across North America and either swallowed up or forced the extinction of smaller companies. This was a very controversial move at the time and soured die-hard fans of local wrestling outfits.
Wrestling’s Impact on Youth and Culture
The world of 80s wrestling wasn’t just confined to the squared circle. It extended its influence into the hearts and minds of a fervent fanbase. Many of whom were children and youth.
The larger-than-life characters, heroic narratives, and intense rivalries captivated young imaginations. Turning wrestling into a form of morality play, complete with heroes and villains.
The unmistakable excitement of watching favourite wrestlers perform daring feats and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds left a permanent mark on the impressionable minds of a generation. These iconic athletes became symbols of resilience, tenacity, and the triumph of good over evil.
Moreover, the fandom surrounding 80s wrestling was a communal experience. Often shared with friends and family. The anticipation leading up to major events, the heated discussions about the latest storylines, and the collective roar of cheers or boos during matches created a sense of shared identity among fans.
The wrestling subculture became a social glue, fostering connections and shared memories. As we look back at this part of retro culture, it serves as a reminder of the profound impact entertainment can have on shaping values and forming bonds within communities.
The enduring nostalgia for 80s WWF wrestling reflects the cultural significance of this unique form of entertainment
Celebrity Culture and Wrestling Crossovers
In the 80s, many WWF wrestlers were considered celebrities. Celebrity culture often mixed with the “sport.” TV sensation Mr T got in the ring and wrestled as part of Wrestlemania I in 1985. And it was somewhat common to see celebrities make guest appearances in and outside of the ring.
The WWF tried to leverage their Hollywood connections to get into the movie making business too. But they never seemed able to becime commercially (or critically) successful at this. The Hulkster was in Rocky III in the early 80s.
Wrestlers like Roddy Piper dabbled with displaying their acting chops in B-rated action movies, TV shows, and hosting gigs on Saturday Night Live. Piper and his peers even teamed with singer Cindy Lauper on the Music Video for the Goonies Soundtrack theme!
At the time, I enjoyed the 1989 movie: “No Holds Barred,” but upon rewatching it many years later, I realized how bad/kitchy the movie was (Sorry Rip, aka Hulk Hogan, aka Terry Gene Bollea). Sadly, my experience with any WWF entertainment outside of the mainstream wrestling entertainment didn’t really hit the same, maybe it did for some of you?
The Marketing and Merchandising of Wrestling
In terms of entertainment, the WWF filled just as many stadiums as the biggest rock stars of the day. “as “Sold out capacity crowds” spent big bucks to be a part of the live spectacle.
And in terms of advertising, this wrestling company was everywhere. I had a sticker book that I convinced my mom that I needed when I saw it displayed at the checkout of our local grocery store. I’m sure that parents loved that.
I had little square stickers that I tried not to get red “ketchup” flavouring on after retrieving them from the bottom of bags of hostess chips (I understand that ketchup chips was a Canadian thing).
I, like countless other fanatics, subscribed to a glossy magazine full of double page spreads and articles about wrestling. I probably read more WWF magazines than actual books as a kid.
The brand extension and merchandising; albeit a lot of targeted children’s marketing meant that you could find also purchase WWF figurines, video games, colouring books, lunchboxes… you get the idea.
The Business of Wrestling: Pay-Per-View and Beyond
The WWF was a money making machine in the 80s. In the context of professional wrestling, the WWF played a significant role in popularizing and expanding the use of pay-per-view events.
WrestleMania, the annual flagship event of the WWF/WWE, which debuted in 1985, is often credited as one of the key drivers in the growth of pay-per-view in the realm of sports entertainment. WrestleMania became a cultural phenomenon. Attracting a large audience and establishing a model that other wrestling promotions and entertainment industries would later adopt.
My buddy Jason convinced his parents to let him invite me and a few other friends over and we all kicked in a few bucks to purchase pay-per-view access to Wrestlemania V. It was an awesome show right up until Ravishing Rick Rude Defeated our Champ the Ultimate Warrior. Damn you Bobby the Brain Heenan; damn you straight to…
WrestleMania contributed to the broader adoption of pay-per-view across various forms of entertainment, including boxing, mixed martial arts, and other live events.
The Influence of Wrestlers Beyond the Ring
I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to highlight that being a WWF/WWE Superstar was so popular in the 80s, that wrestler Jesse “the Body” Ventura used his popularity to springboard a successful campaign to become Governor of Minnesota after retiring from the ring.
Scandals – Steroids and Sexism in Wrestling
The intersection of legislation and wrestling at the tail end of the 80s however, came in the form of a anabolic steroid scandal. WWF chairman Vince McMahon was accused of supplying ‘roids to his wrestlers and pressuring them to take them so that they could become the colossal Schwarzenegger-esque gladiators that were prominent in the era of 80s WWF wrestling.
It is important to note that up until the late 80s and early 90s, anabolic steroids were not “banned” because they were not on the list of controlled substances. McMahon wasn’t charged either. A number of wrestlers testified that he did not provide them with, or pressure them into taking steroids. .
Many body builders and other athletes were able to obtain them from physicians up until the end of the 80s. In 1990, they became a controlled (aka banned substance) and athletes came under scrutiny.
Drug-testing efforts were ramped up to detect any steroid users (“dopers”) and the public became more widely educated in the negative side-effects and dangers associated with the practice of doping.
Following the steroid scandal, the industry did make efforts to prioritize performers’ well-being. THe WWF implemented a drug-testing program while promoting a culture of anti-doping. Firing anyone caught using ‘roids.
To its credit, modern wrestling has also recently included a more positive evolution of women’s portrayal. While also expanding diversity and inclusivity from where things were at in the 80s. WWF promotes tolerance and acceptance. Allowing a more diverse fandom to see people they identify with, as WWF rostered wrestlers.
The Lasting Legacy of 80s Wrestling
I could go on and on (and on some more), about 80s WWF wrestling, but I think I’ll start to wrap up this Retro Review now. We’ll save some more muscle-bound memories for another day. My fandom persisted into the 90s, so we’ll go there sometime soon I’m sure.
If you’re like me, it’s a fun game to play to list as many wrestlers as you can. Or do some deep dives into the really lesser-known heroes that graced the big iconic square blue mat. We’ll play that game together soon too.
Feel free to start the list going now, by leaving a comment below listing your favourite 80s WWF superstar.
Thinking back, as we donned our makeshift championship belts and practiced our best wrestling moves on unsuspecting pillows, the 80s wrestling culture became a vibrant part of our childhood.
The neon spandex, the larger-than-life characters, and the unforgettable moments in the ring shaped an era. It was a time when every match felt like a grand performance, and every wrestler was a hero in their own right.
Sometimes, just like in life, the bad guys won. Better still, sometimes the bad guys had a redemption arc that found them winning the hearts of those who once despised them.
Today, as we revisit the old video tapes and relive the bodyslams and high-flying maneuvers, 80s WWF wrestling remains a cherished time capsule of a bygone era. It was a world where good and evil collided in a spectacle that went beyond the ring ropes. A piece of pop culture that left a lasting mark on the hearts of those who witnessed the glory days of wrestling.
What Are Your 80s WWF Memories?
Who was your fave WWF superstar from the 80s? Were you a wrestling fan, or were you anti?
We’d love to hear from you.
Please leave a comment and add to the conversation, before Hulkamania runs wild on you.
Craig is a partner, and proud father of a teenage daughter, and two dogs. He's an avid blogger who loves researching and discussing 80s and 90s nostalgia. When not working on his website or hanging with his fam, Craig enjoys playing guitar, watching lacrosse, and being near water.