Legendary Bam Bam Bigelow: From ECW To The WWE

Who is "Bam Bam Bigelow"? The name Bam Bam Bigelow evokes images of a legendary professional wrestler who captivated audiences with his colossal size, fierce charisma, and gravity-defying moves.

Born Scott Bigelow in 1961, Bam Bam Bigelow's journey to wrestling stardom began in New Jersey. Standing at an imposing 6'4" and weighing over 300 pounds, Bigelow possessed an extraordinary physique that made him a force to be reckoned with in the squared circle.

Bigelow's wrestling style was a blend of power and agility. He was known for his devastating headbutts, thunderous clotheslines, and aerial maneuvers that defied his massive frame. His signature move, the "Greetings from Asbury Park," was a towering moonsault that sent shockwaves through arenas.

Throughout his career, Bigelow wrestled for various promotions, including the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). He feuded with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Vader.

Beyond the ring, Bigelow was known for his eccentric personality and infectious enthusiasm. He was a beloved figure among fans and fellow wrestlers alike, earning the nickname "The Beast from the East."

Tragically, Bigelow passed away in 2007 at the age of 45. However, his legacy continues to inspire awe and admiration among wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.

Bam Bam Bigelow

Bam Bam Bigelow's legacy extends beyond his physical prowess and in-ring accomplishments.

• Powerhouse Performer: Bigelow's immense strength and agility made him a formidable opponent.
• High-Flying Giant: Despite his massive size, Bigelow was known for his aerial maneuvers.
• Charismatic Showman: Bigelow's eccentric personality and infectious enthusiasm captivated audiences.
• Innovator: Bigelow's signature moonsault, "Greetings from Asbury Park," became a staple of wrestling.
• Feud Master: Bigelow's rivalries with Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Vader were legendary.
• Beloved Figure: Bigelow was adored by fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
• Tragic Loss: Bigelow's untimely passing in 2007 left a void in the wrestling world.

These key aspects paint a vivid picture of Bam Bam Bigelow's impact on the world of professional wrestling. His combination of size, athleticism, charisma, and innovation made him a true icon. Bigelow's legacy continues to inspire awe and admiration among wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.

Powerhouse Performer

Bam Bam Bigelow's status as a powerhouse performer was a cornerstone of his wrestling persona. His immense strength and agility allowed him to dominate opponents with ease, making him a formidable force in the ring.

Bigelow's strength was evident in his ability to lift and slam opponents weighing far less than himself. He was also known for his powerful strikes, which often left his adversaries reeling. His agility, despite his massive frame, was equally impressive. Bigelow could execute high-flying maneuvers such as dropkicks, moonsaults, and even springboard moves with astonishing grace.

The combination of Bigelow's strength and agility made him a formidable opponent for even the most seasoned wrestlers. His ability to overpower and outmaneuver his rivals gave him a significant advantage in the ring. This powerhouse performance was a key factor in Bigelow's success and contributed to his reputation as one of the most dominant wrestlers of his era.

High-Flying Giant

Bam Bam Bigelow's status as a "high-flying giant" was a unique and captivating aspect of his wrestling persona. Despite his massive size, Bigelow possessed incredible agility and athleticism, enabling him to execute gravity-defying aerial maneuvers that left audiences in awe.

Bigelow's aerial maneuvers were a testament to his exceptional strength and coordination. He could launch himself from the top rope with astonishing force, executing moonsaults, dropkicks, and even springboard moves with precision and grace. His signature move, the "Greetings from Asbury Park," was a towering moonsault that became synonymous with his high-flying style.

The combination of Bigelow's size and aerial ability gave him a significant advantage in the ring. He could overpower opponents with his strength while surprising them with his agility. This versatility made him a formidable challenger and a fan favorite.

Bigelow's high-flying maneuvers were not merely crowd-pleasing spectacles; they were also effective combat techniques. His ability to launch himself from great heights allowed him to gain momentum and deliver devastating blows to his opponents. This combination of power and agility made Bigelow a truly unique and formidable wrestler.

Charismatic Showman

Bam Bam Bigelow's charisma was a driving force behind his success as a professional wrestler. His eccentric personality and infectious enthusiasm resonated with fans, making him one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in the industry.

• Larger-than-life Persona: Bigelow's charismatic aura extended beyond the ring. His flamboyant attire, boisterous interviews, and over-the-top antics made him a larger-than-life persona that fans couldn't help but gravitate towards.
• Engaging Storytelling: Bigelow's charisma also manifested in his ability to engage audiences with his in-ring storytelling. His matches were often filled with high-impact moves, dramatic facial expressions, and intense rivalries that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
• Fan Interaction: Bigelow was known for his genuine interactions with fans. He took the time to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and connect with his supporters on a personal level, fostering a strong bond that further enhanced his charisma.

Bigelow's charisma was not merely a superficial trait; it was an integral part of his wrestling persona that allowed him to transcend the boundaries of the ring and capture the hearts of wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.

Innovator

Bam Bam Bigelow's innovative spirit shone brightest in his signature moonsault, "Greetings from Asbury Park." This gravity-defying maneuver revolutionized aerial offense in professional wrestling, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

• Origin and Execution: Bigelow's moonsault was a daring aerial maneuver where he launched himself from the top rope, executing a full 360-degree flip before crashing down onto his opponent. The move required exceptional timing, coordination, and athleticism, making it a true spectacle.
• Impact and Legacy: Bigelow's moonsault quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple of his matches. It became synonymous with high-impact, high-risk maneuvers, inspiring countless wrestlers to incorporate aerial offense into their repertoires.
• Variations and Evolution: Over time, Bigelow's moonsault evolved, with variations such as the moonsault slam and the 450 splash. These variations showcased Bigelow's adaptability and creativity, further solidifying his status as an innovator.
• Influence on Wrestling: Bigelow's moonsault left a lasting impact on professional wrestling. It helped redefine aerial offense, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the ring. The move continues to be performed by wrestlers today, paying homage to Bigelow's legacy as an innovator.

Bam Bam Bigelow's "Greetings from Asbury Park" moonsault transcended its status as a mere wrestling move; it became a symbol of innovation, athleticism, and the ever-evolving nature of professional wrestling.

Feud Master

Bam Bam Bigelow's reputation as a "Feud Master" stemmed from his ability to engage in captivating and memorable rivalries that left a lasting impact on the wrestling industry. His feuds with iconic figures like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Vader showcased his exceptional storytelling skills and knack for creating intense on-screen conflicts.

Bigelow's rivalry with Hulk Hogan, the face of the WWF in the 1980s, reached its peak at the 1988 Royal Rumble. Bigelow's relentless pursuit of Hogan, culminating in a brutal steel cage match, solidified his status as a formidable challenger to Hogan's dominance.

His feud with Andre the Giant, the legendary "Eighth Wonder of the World," was equally memorable. Bigelow's size and power made him a credible threat to Andre, and their confrontations were marked by both physicality and psychological warfare.

Bigelow's rivalry with Vader, the "Mastodon," was a clash of two behemoths. Their intense battles, often involving weapons and brawls outside the ring, captivated audiences with their raw power and brutality.

These legendary feuds not only elevated Bigelow's career but also showcased his versatility as a performer. He could adapt his style to match the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents, creating compelling storylines that kept fans engaged.

Beloved Figure

Bam Bam Bigelow's status as a beloved figure extended beyond his in-ring accomplishments. He possessed a genuine charisma and warmth that endeared him to fans and fellow wrestlers alike.

• Fan Adoration: Bigelow's larger-than-life persona and infectious enthusiasm resonated with wrestling fans. His signature moves, such as the "Greetings from Asbury Park" moonsault, drew thunderous cheers, and his charisma made him a fan favorite wherever he performed.
• Respect from Peers: Bigelow's exceptional talent and professionalism earned him the respect of his fellow wrestlers. Despite his imposing size and aggressive in-ring style, Bigelow was known for his humility and willingness to help others. He was a mentor to younger wrestlers and always conducted himself with dignity.
• Community Involvement: Bigelow was actively involved in his community, participating in charity events and visiting children's hospitals. His genuine care for others extended beyond the wrestling world, further endearing him to fans and the general public.
• Legacy of Kindness: Bigelow's legacy extends beyond his wrestling accomplishments. He is remembered as a kind and compassionate individual who used his platform to make a positive impact on the world. His memory continues to inspire wrestlers and fans alike.

Bam Bam Bigelow's status as a beloved figure was not merely a byproduct of his wrestling success; it was a testament to his genuine character and the lasting impact he made on the lives of those around him.

Tragic Loss

The untimely passing of Bam Bam Bigelow in 2007 was a profound loss for the wrestling industry. His sudden departure left a void that has yet to be filled, as his unique combination of size, athleticism, charisma, and innovation made him a truly exceptional performer.

• Impact on the Industry: Bigelow's death sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. He was a beloved figure among fans and wrestlers alike, and his absence was felt deeply. The loss of such a talented and influential performer left a void that has not been fully replaced.
• Unfulfilled Potential: Bigelow was only 45 years old when he passed away, and many felt that he had much more to offer the wrestling industry. He was still actively performing at a high level, and his untimely demise cut short a promising career.
• Missed Opportunities: Bigelow's passing also meant that fans were deprived of potential dream matches and storylines. He had yet to face some of the top stars of the era, and his unique style would have undoubtedly created memorable moments.
• Legacy and Remembrance: Despite his untimely passing, Bigelow's legacy continues to live on. He is remembered as one of the most charismatic and innovative wrestlers of his generation, and his impact on the industry is still felt today.

The tragic loss of Bam Bam Bigelow was a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our favorite performers. His untimely passing left a void in the wrestling world, but his legacy as a true icon will never be forgotten.

FAQs about Bam Bam Bigelow

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the professional wrestler Bam Bam Bigelow.

Question 1: What was Bam Bam Bigelow's signature move?

Answer: Bam Bam Bigelow's signature move was the "Greetings from Asbury Park" moonsault, a gravity-defying maneuver where he launched himself from the top rope, executing a full 360-degree flip before crashing down onto his opponent.

Question 2: What were some of Bam Bam Bigelow's most notable feuds?

Answer: Bam Bam Bigelow engaged in several memorable feuds throughout his career, including those with Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Vader.

Question 3: What was the cause of Bam Bam Bigelow's death?

Answer: Bam Bam Bigelow passed away in 2007 at the age of 45 due to a drug overdose.

Question 4: What is Bam Bam Bigelow's legacy in professional wrestling?

Answer: Bam Bam Bigelow is remembered as one of the most charismatic and innovative wrestlers of his generation. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and charisma left a lasting impact on the industry.

These FAQs provide a brief overview of some of the most common questions and concerns regarding Bam Bam Bigelow's career and legacy.

Conclusion

Bam Bam Bigelow's legacy as a professional wrestler is one of innovation, charisma, and unforgettable moments. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and charisma made him a true icon of the industry.

Bigelow's impact on wrestling can still be felt today. His high-flying maneuvers and larger-than-life persona inspired a generation of wrestlers and fans. He will always be remembered as one of the most beloved and respected performers in the history of professional wrestling.