TOP 5 BIG MEN: The top “big men” that I’ve watched in my career and would want by my side in a bar fight including Bigelow and Vader

“I’m not fat, I’m big boned!”
-Eric Cartman, South Park

There are different types in life. Not everyone has the genetics to look like a statue that was chiseled out of stone. Yeah, many are simply unmotivated to have that type of physique, but many have tried and are simply unable to achieve that goal, but still have much to offer as a wrestling character. Before the mid-1980s, you had an array of physiques – Adrian Adonis, Dick “The Bruiser,” and Dusty Rhodes were at the top of many cards.

In the mid-1980s, physique became of more importance than ability to perform in many cases. Some had great bodies and knew how to perform, while others like Baracus and Tom McGee got opportunities based on looks alone. I would argue that Ultimate Warrior was a body first and performer second. The variety of body types became slimmer in that time. After steroid scandals, changes would be made, but it was still the large wrestlers or “swimmer body” types gave a sameness to the performers of their eras.

There were still many wrestlers who broke through being different than others. Used as a villain or comedy character most of the time, but there were performers that broke through with a larger body type. These were called “big men,” and while strong, athletic, and capable, they probably were still likely eating carbs and enjoying a beer now and then. Bronson Reed and Mason Rook in NXT are currently on TV in these roles.

Like The Kingpin or The Blob in Marvel Comics, they were large guys who you’d call “fat,” but would likely do so at the risk of an ass kicking. This is my personal list of the five greatest “Big Men” that I’ve watched in my time as a wrestling fan. No giants, but 6-4 round guys who you’d want on your side in a bar fight.

Bam Bam Bigelow

I first knew Bam Bam Bigelow as the guy with flames on his head who did cartwheels on the “WWF Superstar” Nintendo game. I missed a good chunk of his career, but when I finally saw him wrestle, he was amazing. The speed at which he worked subverted my expectations. I had seen the cartwheels in a video game, but hadn’t seen a man of that size hit a moonsault. He had the book of a biker gang leader from a movie, and was even used in a similar role in Major Payne.

I did get to see a good chunk of his ECW role that truly put him in the dominant heel position. His matches with Taz and Rob Van Dam are worth going out of your way to see. I also enjoyed him tagging with “Diamond” Dallas Page and Chris Kanyon, and was one of the better parts of a late life WCW.

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Gunther

Not the expected pick, I am sure, but for the greater part of Gunther’s career when known as Walter, he matches all the descriptors. He was overweight by many standards, which he knew he’d have to change to get the top spot that he ended up earning. His work was not held back by the body though. Swift, precise, hard-hitting, and a tremendous gas tank. His work in the UK and for NXT UK earned him the opportunity and he made the most of it by transforming his body. But as Walter, he was a tremendous big man.

Yokozuna

Yokozuna is a part of the Samoan wrestling dynasty and had all the tools to be a top performer. He made people believe he was a Japanese villain Sumo Wrestler, despite his actual lineage. His presence, ring work, and movements at his size made the audience take notice. Sadly, he’s a case of a wrestler who would have been much better off staying smaller than he was. His health suffered for the lifestyle that put more mass on him than the body can take, but a great performer in his time.

Mark Henry

Mark Henry got a few extra opportunities to get himself over in the eyes of the office and audience. There were a lot of start-and-stop pushes for him. His ring work, psychology, stamina, and body were critiqued at different times. He was signed young and lacked the training asked of most young signees, but the company saw something in him and gave him his chances.

Eventually it led to his “Hall of Pain” run, a great program with John Cena , and a fantastic ambassador role for professional wrestling. His feats of strength were always impressive and I still have fond memories of him pulling two semi-trucks for twenty feet.

Vader

The man who made me believe that there was no way Sting could defeat him. A mass of a man who came out in a mastodon mask, was so imposing as a character, and cut a short but believable promo. A beast in Japan and massive character even in animation in Japan. In WCW, he was an unbeatable monster who had fantastic matches with the likes of Sting, Ron Simmons, and Ric Flair. He lost a lot of confidence by the time he came to WWF, and it was a sad run in comparison to what was expected. His WCW career was one for all large wrestlers to watch.

(Griffin is a lifelong fan of wrestling, superheroes, and rebellious music of all forms. He is the owner of Nerdstalgia, and you can shop online, learn about visiting the store in Colorado Springs, or catch him at a comic con in the Rocky Mountain area by going to http://nerdstalgia.shop.)