10 Most Visually Striking Wrestlers Of WWE's Golden Era

One of Vince McMahon's favorite mottos is said to be 'perception is reality' and McMahon lived by it when defining the WWE's outlook on pro wrestling, especially in the 1980s and early 1990s. During this 'Golden Era' the WWE was known for elaborate outfits and entrances (for the time) and for keeping the time in between the ropes to a minimum. Where the NWA had Ric Flair and the Horsemen work thirty minutes or more on a daily basis, the WWE had Hulk Hogan compete in (often) sub-ten minute matches on house shows, followed by Hogan's posing.

With this concept in mind, it is not hard to see why the WWE laid so much emphasis on a wrestler's look. The result was a roster of stunning personalities with unique looks. Some stood out more than others though. Here then are the ten most visually striking wrestlers of WWE's Golden Era.

10 Honky Tonk Man: The Wrestling Elvis

Golden Era Tenure: 1986-1991

Second-longest reigning Intercontinental Champion
Started out as a babyface

The cousin of Jerry Lawler was not known for his in-ring work or even his incredible physique. However, Wayne Ferris was able to create a gimmick made for the over-the-top WWE in the Elvis-impersonating Honky Tonk Man. With his Elvis suits and brylcreemed hair, the Honky Tonk Man had a standout look in the land of the giants, even without being a giant himself. With his trusty guitar and manager Jimmy Hart, Honky was a heel magnet and, until recently, the longest reigning Intercontinental champion of all time.

9 Hillbilly Jim: Hulk Hogan's Underappreciated Understudy

Golden Era Tenure: 1985-1990

introduced as a Hulk Hogan fan
wrestled in WWE until 1990; then became more of an ambassador

Hillbilly Jim is often forgotten today, partially due to his lack of high-profile PPV matches in the 1980s. However, Jim was one of the most popular wrestlers in the early days of WWE's Golden Era. and even got his own stable of hillbillies alongside Uncle Elmer, Cousin Junior, and Cousin Luke. Thanks to his physique, Jim fit in with the main event scene at the time and his overalls and long, bushy beard made him stand out visually.

8 Bam Bam Bigelow: A Two-Sided Tale Of A Tattooed Skull

Golden Era Tenure: 1987-1988

started in Memphis
left the WWE after a year despite a decent push

While most people will remember Bigelow from his second run from 1992 until 1995, he actually debuted for the WWE during their Golden Era as a babyface, managed by Sir Oliver Humperdinck.

Bigelow looked like a natural heel with his tattooed skull and flame-bodysuit but he got over with fans due to his flashy offense. While he wasn't as tall as many of the other giants, Bigelow nonetheless stood out visually thanks to his look.

7 Legion of Doom: Spiked Pads And Disappointment

Golden Era Tenure: 1990-1992

Debuted shortly before Summerslam 1990
Hawk left the WWE after Summerslam 1992
Animal fulfilled contractual obligations, teaming with Crush

For the longest time, WWE had their own version of the Road Warriors in Demolition. However, when the real deal arrived in 1990, the difference became clear quickly. The spiked shoulder pads and the face paint was more menacing than Demolition's studs and silver-and-red face paint. In the end, the Legion of Doom's run was a little disappointing, as the WWE never really seemed to grasp the Road Warriors' gimmick of steamrolling everybody, and it only got worse during the LoD's second run from 1997 until 1999.

6 The Undertaker: The Perfect Gimmick Package

Golden Era Tenure: 1990-1992

Continuously stayed in WWE from 1990 until 2020
Debuted as Kane the Undertaker

The Undertaker was one of the longest-running gimmicks of all time and it is not hard to understand why. From Mark Callaway's impressive height to his athletic ability, his outfit, his manager (Paul Bearer) with the urn, the music - everything clicked. Many wrestling fans remember when they first saw the Undertaker which is a testament of how striking his look was.

5 Hulk Hogan: The Golden Era's Franchise

Golden Era Tenure: 1983-1992

WWE Franchise from 1984-1992
first five-time WWE champion
headlined eight of the first nine Wrestlemanias

Hulk Hogan was the WWE's franchise player during their Golden Era - so much so that every attempt to push somebody else in that spot failed. Hogan had the unique look of a super hero: balding, with long blonde hair, a mustache, and giant muscles. Add to that his kid-friendly McDonald's color combination and ability to tell compelling stories on the mic and in the ring, Hogan was the personification of what McMahon looked for in a wrestler.

4 George 'The Animal' Steele: The Hairy Beast

Golden Era Tenure: 1983-1988

Initially a high school football coach
Retired due to Crohn's Disease

George 'the Animal' Steele had been a heel for most of his career before Vince McMahon got a hold of him. The heel alignment fit his character: a nonverbal half-animal/neanderthal-like wrestler who did the dirty work for his manager. However, McMahon turned Steele into a friendly, lovable half-animal/neanderthal-like wrestler who fell in love with Miss Elizabeth. Once Steele failed to win Elizabeth's heart, his career began to flounder. However, thanks to his hairy body and bald head, Steele remained in the wrestling fan's mind.

3 The Missing Link: A Strange Visitor In Titanland

Golden Era Tenure: 1985

Mostly known for his stints in World Class Championship Wrestling
Felt Heenan was a bad match as his manager

Dewey Robertson's WWE career was short-lived but anybody who saw him - whether in the WWE or somewhere else - will remember his look as The Missing Link. With black bushels of hair, green face paint, Robertson looked like an absolute madman.

The question remains what could have been but The Missing Link made a lasting enough impression - at least visually - to be included in this list.

2 Andre the Giant: The Eighth Wonder Of The World For A Reason

Golden Era Tenure: 1983-1991

Suffered from acromegaly
Had a famous role in The Princess Bride

Andre the Giant's career began long before 1983 and he had been a travelling attraction all over the world. Unlike his father Vince Sr., Vincent K. McMahon stopped booking Andre out to other promoters and used the Giant in his final years as a WWE-exclusive attraction. Andre's ever-expanding size not only led to his early death but also to him becoming ever more impressive. He was one of the first wrestlers that transcended into pop culture and remains a household name beyond wrestling to this day.

1 The Ultimate Warrior Was A Colorful Mess

Golden Era Tenure: 1987-1992

Debuted as the Dingo Warrior at house shows
Was briefly fired in 1991 due to differences over payment

The Ultimate Warrior was arguably the most visually striking wrestler of WWE's Golden Era. The mix of bulging muscles, wild hair, tassles, face (and sometimes chest) paint and his uncontrolled antics made the Warrior an instant fan favorite. There was really nothing beyond his look - his in-ring ability was questionable at best and his promos often made very little sense - but that fact also makes his success all the more impressive.