Wrestling Records

A rare early-2000s moment captured: Adrian Street, Miss Linda, The Undertaker, Big Show, and Vince McMahon all posing together in one frame.

Seeing this photo really drives home what an absolute force The Big Show was a true giant who stood out even among legends.

It’s hard not to feel that WWE’s years of constant face-and-heel turns diluted his impact. That inconsistency makes his move to AEW easier to understand. Watching today’s wrestling landscape, it’s clear AEW often places greater emphasis on honoring veteran talent names like Matt Hardy, Ric Flair, Christian, Big Show, Mark Henry, and Sting are treated with legacy in mind.

It’s unfortunate when veterans don’t receive the respect they’ve earned, leading them to move on or be let go. Wrestling history deserves better stewardship.

In the 1970s, long before wrestling became the global spectacle it is today, two larger-than-life figures shared a moment of pure joy. The photo shows André the Giant, the “8th Wonder of the World,” playfully perched on the lap of his close friend, High Chief Peter Maivia—a sight that makes the 315-pound Samoan powerhouse seem almost small in comparison.

Beyond the humor of the pose lay something deeper: the bond of wrestlers who were more than colleagues. Life on the road forged families, and André and Maivia’s friendship was one built on respect, loyalty, and laughter.

André would go on to become a worldwide icon, remembered for both his unmatched size and his gentle spirit. Maivia, meanwhile, left his mark as a fierce competitor and a cornerstone of wrestling’s royal Samoan lineage—the very lineage that would give rise to his grandson, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Reflecting on their bond, The Rock once said: “They were the best of friends, wrestled nightly, tough as hell, and as you can see by their smiles and open energy—they lived life to the absolute fullest.”

The photo remains more than a snapshot of wrestling history—it’s a timeless reminder of the joy, camaraderie, and brotherhood that fueled the legends of the ring.

André the Giant vs. Otto Wanz — A Clash of Titans

Few figures in wrestling history stood as tall—literally and figuratively—as André the Giant and Otto Wanz.

André, born André René Roussimoff in France, was billed at 7’4” and over 500 pounds. Known worldwide as “The Eighth Wonder of the World”, he became one of the biggest global attractions of the 1970s and ’80s, captivating audiences everywhere he went.

From Austria came Otto Wanz—a powerhouse wrestler, promoter, and founder of the Catch Wrestling Association (CWA), which helped usher in the golden age of European wrestling. Wanz not only captured the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, but also etched his name into wrestling lore as one of the few men ever to bodyslam André the Giant.

The two collided in several memorable encounters, including a celebrated showdown in December 1987. Fans witnessed a spectacle of contrasts: André’s sheer presence and charisma against Wanz’s brute strength and disciplined technique.

Both men left indelible marks—André as a pop culture icon, and Wanz as a trailblazer who built the stage for European wrestling’s rise. Together, they embodied wrestling’s most timeless quality: being larger than life.

In 2012, CM Punk served as the Official Grand Marshal of the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago.

In 1983, David, Mike, Kevin, and Kerry Von Erich were at the heart of World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), one of the hottest wrestling promotions of the time. As members of the legendary Von Erich family, they captivated fans with their athleticism, charisma, and emotional storylines, becoming the biggest stars in Texas wrestling.
David Von Erich, often considered the most technically skilled of the brothers, was being groomed for a future NWA World Heavyweight Championship run. His intense rivalries, especially against the Fabulous Freebirds, helped shape WCCW’s golden era. His popularity was soaring, and he was viewed as the family’s best hope for carrying the legacy forward.
Kerry Von Erich, known for his impressive physique and powerful wrestling style, was another major star. His battles with Ric Flair over the NWA World Heavyweight Championship thrilled audiences, culminating in their famous Christmas Night Cage Match against the Freebirds, which sparked one of wrestling’s most heated feuds.
Kevin Von Erich, the high-flying, barefoot competitor, brought a unique style to WCCW. His aerial skills and fiery intensity made him a fan favorite. He played a crucial role in the family’s battles with the Freebirds and other top contenders.
Mike Von Erich, the youngest, was just starting his wrestling career in 1983. Though not as physically imposing as his brothers, he was eager to uphold the family’s name. His early matches showed promise, and he was being positioned as the next Von Erich to rise in the ranks.
Together, the Von Erichs defined WCCW in 1983, drawing massive crowds and helping establish the promotion’s national reputation. Their emotional battles, personal tragedies, and undeniable talent cemented their place in wrestling history.

Lex Luger, known as The Total Package, was a rising star in the wrestling world in 1987. With his chiseled physique, natural athleticism, and undeniable charisma, he quickly made an impact, particularly in Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP), which later became WCW. That year, Luger aligned himself with the legendary Four Horsemen, standing alongside Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Tully Blanchard. His association with the dominant faction solidified him as a major player in professional wrestling.
During his early career, Luger showcased his power and intensity, capturing the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship in 1987. His feuds with wrestling greats like Dusty Rhodes and Nikita Koloff helped establish him as a force to be reckoned with. Fans were drawn to his combination of strength and agility, making him one of the most talked-about stars of the era.
Now, after decades in the business and a storied career that spanned WCW, WWE, and beyond, it’s great to see Lex Luger finally receiving his well-deserved induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Despite the ups and downs in his personal life and career, his contributions to wrestling remain undeniable. From his early days as a Horseman to his memorable runs as WCW’s franchise player and later as an American hero in WWE, Luger left a lasting mark on the industry.
His Hall of Fame induction serves as recognition of his impact and the legacy he built in professional wrestling. For longtime fans, this moment is long overdue, and for newer generations, it’s a reminder of how The Total Package helped shape the golden eras of the sport.

Kordic was part of the “Dan line”…Kordic, Daniel Lacroix, and Scott Daniels.

Bam Bam Bigelow v/s Big Bubba(Fred Ottman) in Texas All Star Wrestling at the Hemisfair Arena in San Antonio, Texas during 1986.

On May 6, 1984, Kerry Von Erich faced off against “Nature Boy” Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in one of the most iconic matches in wrestling history. This bout took place at the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions in front of a massive crowd at Texas Stadium, making it a truly unforgettable moment in professional wrestling.

The match carried immense emotional weight, as it was held in honor of Kerry’s late brother, David Von Erich, who had passed away earlier that year. The Von Erich family was beloved in Texas, and Kerry stepped into the ring with the support of thousands of passionate fans. The atmosphere was electric as he squared off against Flair, who was at the peak of his legendary reign as NWA Champion.

The match itself was a hard-fought battle, showcasing Kerry’s raw power and athleticism against Flair’s technical skill and experience. Flair, known for his dirty tactics and ability to wear down opponents, did everything he could to retain his title, but Kerry refused to back down. In a dramatic finish, Kerry delivered a perfectly executed Discus Punch, knocking Flair down for the three-count and capturing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

The victory was more than just a title win—it was a deeply personal and emotional moment for the Von Erich family and their fans. Seeing Kerry hoist the championship in honor of his brother made the match even more special, cementing its place in wrestling history. Though Kerry’s reign was short-lived, this match remains one of the most memorable in NWA history, a testament to both his talent and the enduring legacy of the Von Erich family.

The British Bulldogs tag team of The Dynamite Kid & Davey Boy Smith in 1984.

Imagine the electric atmosphere of a wrestling arena, the tension building, as two of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history stand side by side—Sting and "The Total Package" Lex Luger. In the mid-1990s, these two larger-than-life personalities formed one of the most dynamic and intriguing duos in WCW.

Sting, with his striking face paint and intense gaze, was the embodiment of determination, loyalty, and resilience. Known as the "Franchise" of WCW, his connection with the fans was undeniable, and his high-flying moves and unmatched charisma made him one of the most beloved figures in wrestling. On the other hand, Lex Luger, with his chiseled physique and imposing presence, represented the epitome of strength and power. With his "Total Package" persona, Luger was a force in the ring, boasting an impressive combination of athleticism and charisma that made him one of the most dominant competitors of his era.

Despite their contrasting personalities and backgrounds, the partnership between Sting and Luger was a force to be reckoned with. They teamed up in a series of high-stakes matches, facing off against some of the most dangerous factions in professional wrestling, like the nWo. Their teamwork, while sometimes fraught with tension due to their differing personalities, created some of the most memorable moments in WCW history.

Together, they were a symbol of strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome even the greatest odds. Sting's unwavering loyalty to the fans and Luger’s relentless drive for success made them a fascinating contrast. Whether as friends or rivals, their partnership was a defining chapter in the storied history of WCW, leaving an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.

"Macho Man" Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth formed one of the most iconic couples in WWE history. Their relationship captivated fans both inside and outside the ring. Miss Elizabeth, known for her grace and elegance, served as Savage’s manager and sometimes as his emotional anchor, providing a contrast to his fiery and intense persona. Their partnership was filled with ups and downs, with moments of tension, heartbreak, and reconciliation that played out on screen, making them a memorable duo in wrestling lore. Despite the drama, their bond was undeniable, and their story became one of the most heartwarming and tragic narratives in the history of professional wrestling.