On March 4th, the wrestling world lost 1980s icon King Kong Bundy. The bald-headed big man was a staple of the golden era of the WWF. Bundy not only became a famous wrestler but a pop culture figure making numerous cameos in movies and television shows. His distinct look and size combined with his big personality made him a hit even a heel for most of his career.
Bundy started out in his career using the name Chris Canyon in the WWF after finishing his training at Larry Sharpe’s “Monster Factory”. He broke into the business in 1981. In 1982 he started working in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). Bundy started out as an ally of the Von Erich Family using the name Big Daddy Bundy. He later would switch to his famous King Kong Bundy once he turned heel and rolling with the famous Playboy Gary Hart.
While in World Class, Bundy was associated with some infamous groups such as the original Legion of Doom that consisted of Jake Roberts and the Road Warriors. Would then go on to compete in various territories around the world before landing back in the WWF in 1985 for his most famous run. He was managed by the legendary Bobby Heenan and was a member of the Heenan family. His was part of the first 3 Wrestlemania’s, most notably the main event of the 2nd ever big event along with Hulk Hogan.
Bundy would leave the company in 1988 for semi-retirement and then wrestle in a few territories before returning to WWF in 1994. He would stay there until 1995 and lose to the Undertaker at Wrestlemania 11 becoming part of the famous streak. He would then wrestle on the indies until he retired in 2007. While away from wrestling Bundy also spent some time as a stand-up comic. The versatile big man was a big part of the WWF growing and taking over the 1980s and will be forever remembered for his contribution to the wrestling business.
Written By
Keith B. Holt
Follow on Twitter @Kholtjr
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