When wrestling fans reminisce about the titans who have graced the squared circle, Big John Studd’s name invariably emerges among the elite. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-10 and weighing 364 pounds, John “Big John Studd” Minton was not just a large man; he was a wrestling colossus who cast a long shadow over his opponents. His legendary feuds with Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan in the electrifying 1980s remain etched in wrestling history as some of the most captivating rivalries of that golden era.
Trained by the legendary Killer Kowalski, a fellow Hall of Famer, Minton made his grand entrance into WWE in 1976 as Kowalski’s formidable tag team partner. Donning masks as The Executioners, the duo wasted no time in making their mark, swiftly capturing the World Tag Team Championship in their debut year. Interestingly, Minton also showcased his talents unmasked during this period, competing under the moniker Chuck O’Connor, demonstrating his versatility early in his career.
After his initial WWE stint, Minton ventured into the Mid-Atlantic wrestling scene, adopting the guise of Masked Superstar #2. This period marked a significant alliance with Ken Patera, who would later become his WWE teammate. Together, they clinched the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship in 1978, solidifying Studd’s growing reputation in tag team wrestling. A pivotal moment arrived after a match against Blackjack Mulligan, where Studd was compelled to unmask, leading to his wrestling under his now iconic and powerful name, Big John Studd.
The early 1980s saw Big John Studd broaden his wrestling horizons, with appearances in Florida, the AWA, and NWA, before making a triumphant return to WWE. Initially under the management of Freddie Blassie, Studd’s career trajectory shifted when he joined the notorious Heenan Family. This alliance ignited a protracted and unforgettable rivalry with Andre the Giant, centered around the contentious claim of who was the “true giant” in WWE. Their feud spawned two of the most talked-about and controversial incidents in WWE history, further cementing Big John Studd’s place in wrestling lore.
December 1984 witnessed a shocking act of disrespect as Big John Studd, alongside Ken Patera and Bobby Heenan, infamously cut Andre the Giant’s hair during a tag team match. This act of humiliation set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at the inaugural WrestleMania in Madison Square Garden. There, in front of a packed arena, Andre and Big John Studd etched their names into WrestleMania history by participating in the $15,000 Bodyslam Challenge. In a moment that became an instant WrestleMania highlight, Andre successfully slammed the massive Studd, claiming the prize money. However, the victory was short-lived as Heenan cunningly snatched back the bounty before Andre could share it with the roaring crowd. Later in 1985, Big John Studd formed a formidable tag team with fellow Heenan Family member King Kong Bundy. This powerful duo regularly clashed with wrestling titans like Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan, engaging in epic battles that defined the era.
The following year, WrestleMania 2 delivered another memorable moment involving Big John Studd. Competing in the WWE/NFL Battle Royal in Chicago, Studd drew the crowd’s animosity by eliminating Chicago Bears legend William “The Refrigerator” Perry. In a surprising turn, Perry extended a hand to Studd, seemingly in sportsmanship. But as the giant reached out, Perry cleverly pulled him over the top rope, eliminating Studd in retaliation and eliciting a huge pop from the Chicago crowd.
Shortly after this WrestleMania moment, Big John Studd departed WWE, only to make a celebrated return two years later. His comeback reignited his intense rivalry with Andre the Giant. This time, however, the dynamic shifted. With Andre now under the manipulative guidance of Bobby Heenan, the fans overwhelmingly rallied behind Big John Studd, casting him in a babyface role and showcasing his surprising popularity with the WWE audience. In what is arguably the pinnacle of his WWE career, Big John Studd entered the 1989 Royal Rumble Match as the 27th entrant. Against all odds, he outlasted the competition, ultimately eliminating Ted DiBiase to secure a triumphant Royal Rumble victory. Later that year, at WrestleMania V, Studd served as the special guest referee for Andre’s match against Jake Roberts, further intertwining their storied careers. Despite the unresolved issues, Big John Studd once again left WWE in mid-1989, marking his final departure from the company.
In the years following his wrestling career, Big John Studd dedicated himself to training aspiring wrestlers. His most notable protégé was Ron Reis, who competed in WCW as “Big” Ron Studd, a clear tribute to his mentor’s legacy. Studd also explored opportunities in Hollywood, making appearances in popular television shows like “The A-Team” and “Hunter,” as well as films such as “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man.” Tragically, John Minton’s life was cut short on March 20, 1995, due to complications from liver cancer and Hodgkin’s disease, leaving a void in the wrestling world and beyond.
In 2004, on the eve of WrestleMania XX, Big John Studd was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place in New York City, the same city where he had created WrestleMania history two decades prior. Fittingly, another wrestling giant, Big Show, had the honor of inducting Studd into the Hall of Fame, and Studd’s son, John Minton Jr., accepted the Hall of Fame plaque, ensuring his father’s legacy would be formally recognized and celebrated for generations to come.
Throughout his illustrious career, Big John Studd achieved remarkable feats, including a World Tag Team Championship reign, unforgettable WrestleMania moments, and a Royal Rumble victory. However, his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame served as the ultimate affirmation: Big John Studd was, and always will be, remembered as one of sports entertainment’s true giants, a towering figure whose impact resonates far beyond his physical stature.
