The staff at Ring Time Pro Wrestling figured it was time to return the Old School Profile. Kind of like our version of Unsung in the wrestling business. Today’s profile subject is The Beast from The East, Bam Bam Bigelow. Known for his cool tattoos and athletic ability Bigelow was big star in the late 1980’s and early 90’s.
Bigelow got started in the late 1980s and was trained by Larry Sharpe. He made his pro debut in 1986 in Memphis working for Jerry Lawler and Jerry Jarrett. The 6ft 4in 400 pounder became the “Beast from The East” was a force and made a big name for himself. Feuding with Tommy Rich and Jerry Lawler up until mid 1987.
Bam Bam took his talent to the WWF in May of 1987 and where he was an instant hit with fans. He was managed by the late great Oliver Humperdink. His first run with the WWF lasted form 1987-1988. Bigelow move as good if not better than any big man of his era. The highlight of his tenure was the 1987 Survivor Series where he was a member of Hulk Hogan’s team. With the rest of his team members eliminated Bam Bam was left by himself against King Kong Bundy, The One Man Gang and Andre The Giant. The Beast from the East held his own against these other massive opponents.
Bam Bam Survivor Series 1987
After leaving the WWF due to a knee injury Bigelow spent time in Japan and Jim Crockett Promotions. While in Crockett Promotions which later became WCW he feuded with Barry Windham over the Untied States Championship. In Japan he formed a tag team with another dominant big man Big Van Vader. After winning the IWGP tag team titles and a successful run in Japan he came home to the WWF.
In 1992 Bam Bam returned to the WWF with new attitude. This time as a heel with that same devastating athletic ability but hell bent on destruction. In 1993 he had a legendary match in the King of the Ring tournament against Bret Hart.
1993 Royal Rumble Match
In 1994 Bam Bam was managed by love interest Luna Vachon. His main targets during this time were Tatanka and Doink the Clown. He then later joined Ted DiBiase’s Million Dollar Corporation stable.
The highlight of this run was Bigelow getting to main event Wrestlemania XI with Lawrence Taylor. He lost the match but it was only time in his career where all of focus was him.
After what rumored to believe a feud backstage with the Kliq he left the WWF. He went on to compete in the growing ECW. He fought mostly with Taz and even Bam Bam Gordy. In 1997 he with Shane Douglas, Chris Candido formed the faction Triple Threat. This was probably one of the most successful times of his career. Under the guidance of Rick Rude Bam Bam went on to win the ECW TV title and World title.
After leaving ECW he appeared in WCW for about 3 years from 1998-2001. He first went after the big dog on the block taking it to Goldberg. After that he shifted his focus to the Hardcore Division with guys like Raven and Hardecore Hak. While in WCW he became apart of the Jersey Triad faction with Chris Kanyon and Diamond Dallas Page. After WCW folded Bam Bam did not return to the WWF. He let his Turner contract expire and then went on the Independent circuit from 2002-2006.
While he was mostly retired from pro wrestling he had some life struggles. In May of 2004, he was charged with reckless driving and endangering a child. He was sued by his ex-wife in 2005 for failure to pay child support. Bigelow also suffered major injuries in a motorcycle accident he had later that year. In January of 2007 he was found dead in his home in Hudson, FL. The death was attributed to multiple drugs found in his system.
Wrestling fans will never forget the entertainment and big personality the Beast from the East has brought them over the 20 years of his career. RIP Bam Bam Bigelow.
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