Bruiser Brody, a towering 6’8” legend of his time, was renowned for his furious ring entrances that struck audiences with awe and terror alike. With his fur-covered boots and a chain in hand, Brody embodied the essence of unbridled fury and primal rage, leaving no one indifferent to his imposing presence. Hailed as one of wrestling's most brilliant and beloved stars of the '80s, Brody's popularity knew no bounds and his name became a household one across the globe, particularly in Japan where he was considered one of the world's strongest wrestlers.

RELATED: 10 Dumb Pieces Of Wrestling Logic We Can't Stand (But Are Necessary)

He toured the world extensively, but it was in Puerto Rico that fate took a tragic turn, forever altering the wrestling world and leaving a gaping void in the hearts of his many fans. Brody's influence on the world of wrestling is evident even decades after his tragic death. This list will examine 7 wrestlers, including The Undertaker, that found inspiration from Brody.

7 Mick Foley

Mick Foley, a renowned wrestler known for his hardcore style, has achieved legendary status among fans. His exceptional ability to excel in this style of wrestling led him to become a WWE Champion and main eventer during the Attitude Era. Foley's reputation as a hardcore wrestler was cemented by his dangerous matches against formidable opponents such as The Undertaker and The Rock, making him a standout star in the industry.

He revolutionized the main event scene by demonstrating the potential of hardcore matches, prompting WWE to create the Hardcore Championship specifically for him. Mick Foley has listed his wrestling top five as Terry Funk, Bruiser Brody, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, and Dynamite Kid. He has often mentioned how Brody's influence led to his future as a hardcore legend. Foley says he once met Brody. He famously narrated Bruiser Brody's Dark Side of the Ring episode in 2019.

6 Steve Austin

Steve Austin became the face of the anti-authority movement in WWE's Attitude Era. He led the company to its greatest financial success and global expansion by embodying the common man's frustration with authority. Austin's rivalry with Mr. McMahon, the company's evil owner, was the highlight of his career, and their conflict had simple emotions that fans could easily identify with.

RELATED: 10 Most Controversial Heel Turns In Wrestling History

Like Austin, Bruiser Brody was not your typical wrestling hero. Despite often playing the role of a villain, his magnetic charisma had fans rooting for him, making him a lovable monster in the ring. His unique qualities made him a successful wrestler as either a face or a heel, a rarity in the industry.

Although he was not the only anti-hero in the wrestling world before the likes of Austin and CM Punk, Brody and wrestlers like him were often outnumbered by more wholesome babyfaces. Steve Austin has said that he never met Brody, but he was one of his idols. He claims his passing was a huge letdown for Austin who wanted to one day battle a person he idolized.

5 Brodie Lee

The wrestling world has seen its fair share of tragedy, but the loss of Brodie Lee hits differently. He wasn't a relic of the past or a star past his prime; he was a prime athlete taken too soon by something out of anyone's control. Despite the pain, the wrestling world must move forward.

Brodie Lee was a charismatic and freakishly-athletic hoss, leaving behind memories of his big boot knocking people's heads off. He drew comparisons to Bruiser Brody, but his ring name was actually inspired by the movie "Mallrats" and his resemblance to actor Jason Lee. Still, Lee was never afraid to show how much he was personally influenced by the other Brody.

4 Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe has dominated the American wrestling scene for the past two decades, exhibiting his versatility by capturing titles in all major promotions. He carved a niche for himself by pioneering a distinctive style and fostering a fervent fan following through his impassioned promos and seamless transition to any opponent's style. Samoa Joe's comprehensive repertoire, including his sizeable stature, technical prowess, and agility, has cemented his status as an all-time great. Joe has said that tough guys like Bruiser Brody and Stan Hansen inspired his in-ring style.

3 Eddie Kingston

Upon Eddie Kingston's arrival in AEW, he was quick to assert his willingness to endure intense pain and suffering within the wrestling ring. In his inaugural match, Eddie utilized thumbtacks against then-TNT Champion, Cody Rhodes. Subsequently, he has participated in some of the most brutal and savage matches in AEW history, such as Anarchy in the Arena and the organization's second incarnation of the Blood and Guts cage match.

RELATED: 10 Best Feuds In AEW History So Far, Ranked

Kingston claims he's cut from the same cloth as Bruiser Brody, Terry Funk, and Stan Hansen. His in-ring style is a clear branch off the Brody tree.

2 Bret Hart

Bret "The Hitman" Hart is widely considered one of the greatest WWE wrestlers of all time. He began his career in 1984 as part of the Hart Foundation tag team with Jim Neidhart, donning his iconic pink and black gear. The duo went on to become two-time tag team champions in the 80s, and Hart eventually became a popular solo wrestler in the 90s.

He was seen as a legitimate fighting champion and an inspiration to fans worldwide. He says that Bruiser Brody gave him great inspiration in the early days of his career as a worker. Brody even gave him words of encouragement during his first run in the WWE.

1 The Undertaker

The WWE is known for creating some of the wildest and most outrageous characters in the industry, but few have enjoyed the success and longevity of The Undertaker. This undead cowboy who dug graves and took souls should not have worked, but it did for over four decades. The Undertaker, also known as "The Deadman," debuted at the 1990 Survivor Series with Brother Love, and was later joined by manager Paul Bearer. He won seven Tag Team Championships and seven World Championships, including his first win against Hulk Hogan just one year after his debut.

The Undertaker's professional wrestling debut was on June 26, 1987, at the Dallas Sportatorium. In the match against Bruiser Brody, Undertaker was riled up and received stiff kicks to the head, a chair shot, and was pinned. Despite the rough treatment, Undertaker learned an important lesson about being careful with opponents in the business. Bruiser Brody's controversial tactics were a part of his legendary reputation in wrestling. Brody is clearly one of the old-school legends that also influenced The Deadman's success in wrestling.