When wrestling fans reminisce about the titans who once roamed the squared circle of WWE, Big John Studd’s name invariably rises to the top. Towering at an impressive 6-foot-10 and weighing a colossal 364 pounds, John “Big John Studd” Minton was not just a large man; he was a wrestling phenomenon. His sheer size and in-ring presence captivated audiences, and his legendary feuds, particularly those with Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan during the electrifying 1980s, are etched in wrestling history as some of the most iconic rivalries of the era.
From Masked Menace to “Big” John Studd
The journey of Big John Studd to wrestling stardom began under the tutelage of the notoriously strict Killer Kowalski, a fellow Hall of Famer. Minton’s initial foray into WWE (then WWF) came in 1976 as Kowalski’s tag team partner. Donning masks and known as The Executioners, Studd and Kowalski wasted no time in making their mark, swiftly capturing the World Tag Team Championship. Interestingly, even during this masked period, Minton occasionally wrestled unmasked under the moniker Chuck O’Connor, showcasing his versatility early in his career.
After his initial WWE stint, Minton ventured to the Mid-Atlantic territory, a hotbed for wrestling talent, where he adopted the persona of Masked Superstar #2. This period proved significant as it marked the beginning of his association with Ken Patera, who would later become a key ally in WWE. Together, as a masked duo, they clinched the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship in 1978, further solidifying Studd’s reputation as a formidable force. A pivotal moment arrived when Blackjack Mulligan defeated him in a match, forcing the unmasking of Masked Superstar #2. It was from this unveiling that the wrestling world truly met the man who would become Big John Studd, a name that would soon resonate throughout the wrestling industry.
The Rivalry of the Giants: Big John Studd vs. Andre the Giant
The early 1980s saw Big John Studd broaden his wrestling horizons, with stints in Florida, the American Wrestling Association (AWA), and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) before his eventual return to WWE. Initially managed by the wily veteran Freddie Blassie, Studd’s career trajectory shifted dramatically when he aligned himself with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and became a cornerstone of the infamous Heenan Family. This alliance ignited what would become his most legendary and intensely personal feud – the battle for supremacy against Andre the Giant, centered around the claim of who was the “true giant” of WWE.
This rivalry between Big John Studd and Andre the Giant was not just about size; it was a clash of titans that produced some of the most unforgettable and controversial moments in WWE history. In a shocking act of disrespect and humiliation in December 1984, Studd, alongside Ken Patera and Heenan, viciously attacked Andre, culminating in them cutting Andre’s iconic hair during a tag team match. This act of barbarism set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at the inaugural WrestleMania in Madison Square Garden.
WrestleMania I played host to the legendary $15,000 Bodyslam Challenge between Andre and Studd. In a moment that instantly became a part of WrestleMania lore, Andre successfully slammed the massive Big John Studd, earning the bounty and sending the crowd into a frenzy. However, in a classic heel move, Heenan snatched back the money before Andre could share his winnings with the fans, further fueling the animosity. Continuing their dominance as a team, Big John Studd later formed a formidable tag team with fellow Heenan Family member King Kong Bundy in 1985. They frequently clashed with top babyface teams like Andre and Hulk Hogan, keeping Studd firmly entrenched in the main event scene.
WrestleMania and Royal Rumble Glory
Big John Studd’s knack for creating WrestleMania moments continued the following year at WrestleMania 2. Participating in the WWE/NFL Battle Royal in Chicago, Studd drew considerable heat from the local crowd by eliminating Chicago Bears hero William “The Refrigerator” Perry. In a humorous twist, Perry, despite being eliminated, outsmarted Studd by extending a hand, only to pull the giant over the top rope when Studd reached to shake it, eliminating him in return and eliciting a roar of approval from the Chicago crowd.
After a hiatus from WWE, Big John Studd made a triumphant return two years later, reigniting his feud with Andre the Giant. This time, however, the dynamics had shifted. Andre was now under the management of the reviled Heenan, which inadvertently positioned Studd as the fan favorite. In a career highlight and a testament to his enduring popularity, Big John Studd entered the 1989 Royal Rumble match as the 27th entrant. He showcased his power and ring generalship by last eliminating “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase to win the prestigious Royal Rumble, solidifying his place as a top star. Continuing to be a pivotal figure in Andre’s storylines, Studd served as the guest referee for Andre’s match against Jake “The Snake” Roberts at WrestleMania V. Despite the ongoing storyline potential, Big John Studd departed WWE once again in mid-1989, marking his final run with the company.
Beyond the Ring and Hall of Fame Legacy
Post-WWE, Big John Studd dedicated some time to training aspiring wrestlers, most notably Ron Reis, who wrestled in WCW as “Big” Ron Studd as an homage to his mentor. Studd also ventured into Hollywood, making appearances in television shows like “The A-Team” and “Hunter,” and in films such as “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man,” showcasing his larger-than-life persona beyond wrestling. Tragically, John Minton passed away on March 20, 1995, due to complications from liver cancer and Hodgkin’s disease, cutting short the life of a wrestling icon.
However, Big John Studd’s legacy was immortalized in 2004 when he was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, fittingly on the eve of WrestleMania XX, in the same city where he had made WrestleMania history decades prior. Another wrestling giant, The Big Show, had the honor of inducting Studd, and his son, John Minton Jr., accepted the Hall of Fame plaque, celebrating his father’s remarkable career.
Big John Studd’s career accolades include a World Tag Team Championship, multiple WrestleMania appearances, and a Royal Rumble victory. But beyond the titles and accolades, his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame served as the ultimate affirmation: Big John Studd was, and remains, one of the true giants of sports-entertainment, remembered for his imposing presence, his captivating feuds, and his enduring impact on professional wrestling.
