Bam Bam Bigelow was more than just a professional wrestler; he was a spectacle. With his unique look, adorned with flames tattooed on his bald head, and his impressive agility for a man of his size, Bigelow carved out a niche in the wrestling world that few have been able to match. Known for his fierce in-ring style and his ability to perform high-flying moves that belied his large frame, Bigelow quickly became a fan favorite and a staple in wrestling history.
Spanning a career that took him across various wrestling promotions, Bam Bam Bigelow left an indelible mark not only with his wrestling prowess but also with his charismatic personality. His career was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, filled with championship victories, memorable feuds, and unforgettable matches that have left a lasting legacy in the wrestling industry. His influence is still felt today, as many wrestlers cite him as an inspiration for their own careers.
As we delve deeper into the life and career of Bam Bam Bigelow, we will explore his biography, personal details, and the significant moments that defined his time in the wrestling ring. From his early beginnings to his rise as one of the most feared and respected wrestlers, there's much to discover about this iconic figure. We'll also answer some pressing questions about Bam Bam Bigelow and take a closer look at what made him a standout performer.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Bam Bam Bigelow
- What was Bam Bam Bigelow's early life like?
- Bam Bam Bigelow's Wrestling Career
- What were Bam Bam Bigelow's signature moves?
- Bam Bam Bigelow's Personal Life
- How did Bam Bam Bigelow influence wrestling?
- The Legacy of Bam Bam Bigelow
- Interesting Trivia about Bam Bam Bigelow
- What championships did Bam Bam Bigelow win?
- Notable Feuds of Bam Bam Bigelow
- What injuries did Bam Bam Bigelow suffer?
- Why did Bam Bam Bigelow retire?
- The Death of Bam Bam Bigelow
- Memorable Matches of Bam Bam Bigelow
- Why was Bam Bam Bigelow a fan favorite?
Biography of Bam Bam Bigelow
Bam Bam Bigelow, born Scott Charles Bigelow on September 1, 1961, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, was an American professional wrestler known for his imposing presence and exceptional agility. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 390 pounds, Bigelow's size and athleticism made him a unique figure in the wrestling world. He trained under the tutelage of Larry Sharpe and made his wrestling debut in 1985, quickly gaining recognition for his flame-covered tattoos and distinctive style.
Personal Details of Bam Bam Bigelow
Full Name | Scott Charles Bigelow |
---|---|
Ring Name | Bam Bam Bigelow |
Date of Birth | September 1, 1961 |
Place of Birth | Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA |
Height | 6 feet 4 inches |
Weight | 390 pounds |
Trained By | Larry Sharpe |
What was Bam Bam Bigelow's early life like?
Scott Charles Bigelow grew up in Asbury Park, a city known for its diverse cultural background and music scene. From a young age, he was drawn to physical sports, excelling in amateur wrestling during high school. His passion for wrestling was evident, and he decided to pursue it as a career after graduation. Bigelow's physical prowess and determination were apparent early on, setting the stage for his future success in the world of professional wrestling.
Bam Bam Bigelow's Wrestling Career
Bam Bam Bigelow's wrestling career took off in the mid-1980s, with his debut in the Continental Wrestling Association. His unique combination of size, strength, and agility quickly made him a standout performer. Bigelow's career spanned various promotions, including the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he made a significant impact with his intense wrestling style and memorable feuds.
What were Bam Bam Bigelow's signature moves?
Known for his high-flying maneuvers despite his large frame, Bam Bam Bigelow's signature moves included:
- Diving Headbutt
- Moonsault
- Enzuigiri
- Press Slam
- Powerbomb
These moves, combined with his natural charisma and theatrical presence, made him a formidable opponent in the ring and a fan favorite.
Bam Bam Bigelow's Personal Life
Outside the ring, Bam Bam Bigelow was known for his larger-than-life personality. He was a family man, married twice, and had three children. Bigelow's personal life was not without challenges, as he faced legal issues and health problems over the years. Despite these struggles, he remained a beloved figure in the wrestling community, admired for his contributions to the sport and his dedication to his family.
How did Bam Bam Bigelow influence wrestling?
Bam Bam Bigelow's influence on wrestling is undeniable. He broke the mold of what was expected from a big man in the industry, showcasing that size didn't limit his ability to perform acrobatic maneuvers. His innovative style paved the way for future generations of wrestlers who sought to combine strength with agility. Bigelow's legacy is seen in the many wrestlers who cite him as an inspiration, particularly those who defy traditional expectations based on their size.
The Legacy of Bam Bam Bigelow
Bam Bam Bigelow's legacy extends beyond his in-ring accomplishments. He was a trailblazer who challenged norms and pushed the boundaries of what was possible for larger wrestlers. His contributions to the industry are celebrated by fans and fellow wrestlers alike, ensuring that his memory endures in the annals of wrestling history. Bigelow's legacy is also marked by his charitable work, as he often participated in events to support various causes.
Interesting Trivia about Bam Bam Bigelow
- Bam Bam Bigelow was one of the few wrestlers to have full tattoo coverage on his head.
- He was involved in a heroic act in 2000 when he rescued children from a burning house, suffering burns over 40% of his body.
- Bigelow appeared in several movies and TV shows, adding to his fame outside the wrestling ring.
- He was posthumously inducted into various wrestling halls of fame for his contributions to the sport.
What championships did Bam Bam Bigelow win?
Throughout his illustrious career, Bam Bam Bigelow won several championships, including:
- ECW World Heavyweight Championship
- ECW World Television Championship
- WCW Hardcore Championship
- Numerous regional and tag team titles across different promotions
His ability to capture titles in multiple promotions highlights his versatility and skill as a wrestler.
Notable Feuds of Bam Bam Bigelow
Bam Bam Bigelow had numerous memorable feuds that captivated audiences worldwide. Some of his most notable rivalries include:
- Lawrence Taylor at WrestleMania XI, which drew mainstream attention.
- Tazz in ECW, where their intense matches were fan favorites.
- Goldberg in WCW, showcasing two powerhouses clashing in the ring.
These feuds not only highlighted his wrestling skills but also his ability to engage audiences with compelling storylines.
What injuries did Bam Bam Bigelow suffer?
Like many professional wrestlers, Bam Bam Bigelow endured several injuries throughout his career. These included:
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Burns from the house fire incident
Despite these setbacks, his resilience and dedication to wrestling never wavered, proving his toughness and commitment to the sport.
Why did Bam Bam Bigelow retire?
Bam Bam Bigelow's retirement was largely influenced by his declining health and the cumulative effects of years of physical strain from wrestling. Injuries, combined with personal challenges, led him to step away from the ring in the early 2000s. Despite retiring from active competition, Bigelow remained involved in the wrestling community, often appearing at events and sharing his vast knowledge with aspiring wrestlers.
The Death of Bam Bam Bigelow
Bam Bam Bigelow passed away on January 19, 2007, at the age of 45. His death was a significant loss to the wrestling world, as fans and fellow wrestlers mourned the passing of a legend. The cause of death was attributed to a combination of heart problems and drug toxicity, highlighting the often difficult transition from wrestling to retirement for many athletes. Despite his untimely death, Bigelow's legacy continues to live on through the memories of his incredible career and the impact he had on the wrestling industry.
Memorable Matches of Bam Bam Bigelow
Bam Bam Bigelow's career is marked by numerous memorable matches that showcased his exceptional talent and unique style. Some of his most iconic matches include:
- WrestleMania XI against Lawrence Taylor, which was a major crossover event for wrestling.
- An intense match against Tazz at ECW Living Dangerously 1998, which remains a classic.
- A thrilling bout with Bret Hart at the 1993 King of the Ring tournament.
These matches not only displayed his in-ring abilities but also cemented his status as one of the most entertaining wrestlers of his era.
Why was Bam Bam Bigelow a fan favorite?
Bam Bam Bigelow's status as a fan favorite can be attributed to several factors:
- His unique look and charismatic personality made him stand out.
- He defied expectations with his agility and high-flying moves, captivating audiences.
- His willingness to perform in any setting, from main events to hardcore matches, earned him respect.
His ability to connect with fans, both in and out of the ring, ensured that he remained a beloved figure throughout his career and beyond.