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10 of the greatest wrestlers of the 1980s

How many stars can you name in this classic pic?
How many stars can you name in this classic pic?

There's an old adage in show business: sooner or later, everything old is new again.

That can be said of the 1980s. With films like Ready Player One and shows such as Stranger Things cashing in big on 1980s nostalgia, it seems people can't get enough of that time period.

The wrestling business experienced a transformation in the 1980s, going from numerous small, independent regional promotions to big companies that raked in billions of dollars and embraced the corporate attitude.

Here are ten of the best wrestlers from that decade, and the matches they are known for.


10 Greg "The Hammer" Valentine

Greg Valentine
Greg Valentine

The man who begins our list is STILL taking wrestling bookings today, at the age of 66!

One of the sports most legit 'tough men', Valentine began his career in the 70s, honing his craft in multiple territories and racking up championship wins.

With a mix of old school brutality and technical wrestling, it was only a matter of time before Greg Valentine ended up on the WWE's radar. He joined the then-WWF in 1984 and quickly captured the Intercontinental title from Tito Santana.

A notorious rulebreaker, Valentine didn't care if the fans cheered him or not, he was only concerned with winning. Here he is in the match that made him a star, facing Roddy Piper in a Dog Collar Match:

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