The 12 best wrestling success stories of all time

Wrestling success stories: Wrestling is a combat sport involving all kinds of grappling, clinching, fighting, throws, takedowns and pins. The sport can be downright violent at times and we love it. It is a physical feat of strength, testing the bounds of at least two men (and sometimes women) against one another. The styles have varied over time, beginning nearly 15,000 years ago as depicted through cave drawings in France.

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Over the course of time, the sport which features two gladiators battling against one other, has become a venue of great entertainment. In 1972, Vince McMahon created the World Wrestling Entertainment and rolled out a roster for WWF Championship Wrestling. It aired on television from 1972-1986 and spawned many memorable moments and men who rose to stardom. Icons were created from the events and fans were drawn to the glitz and violence.

After the WWF, the television shows changed names, but the players remained similar. Additional wrestling organizations have risen and the content helps sell out arenas all across the United States. Wrestlers have used their success from inside the ring and have found varying levels of personal success outside the four corners. Those who are lucky to have been labeled stars have used their notoriety to make more money beyond their wrestling careers. This success has led to other entertainment opportunities in television, books and movies. Some have even blazed a trail into other greater endeavors. This is the list of the 12 greatest wrestling stories who succeeded inside and outside the ring.

12. Randy Savage – Slim Jim

Via http://www.wrestlecrap.com

Born Randy Mario Poffo, “Macho Man” Randy Savage was one of the most recognizable wrestling figures of his era. He first started as a baseball player, signing with the St. Louis Cardinals out of high school. He played in the minor leagues but injuries and time weren’t on his side. In 1973, Savage broke into the wrestling business. Once Savage signed with Vince McMahon in 1985, he exploded into the mainstream.

Although Savage wouldn’t appear as a mainstay in feature films or movies, he did make numerous small appearances. It would be on the small screen promoting Slim Jim in which Savage will forever be remembered by millions upon millions of consumers with the catch phrase, “Snap into a Slim Jim!” It would be a commercial and endorsement that lasted many years. His face appeared everywhere from wrestling to being Slim Jim’s face of the brand. Rest in peace “Macho Man.”