A gridiron star turned wrestling icon, known for his rugged, no-holds-barred style in both the NFL and the ring.
Dick the Bruiser, born William Fritz Afflis Jr., was a larger-than-life figure in the world of professional wrestling and American football. With a career spanning over four decades, he is best known for his 16 world championship titles and his fierce rivalry with wrestling legends like Lou Thesz and Classie Freddie Blassie.
Born on June 27, 1929, in Delphi, Indiana, Afflis moved to Indianapolis during World War II, where he developed a passion for football and wrestling. He attended Lafayette Jefferson High School, where he excelled in both sports, and later went on to play varsity football at Purdue University and the University of Nevada, Reno.
In 1951, Afflis was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 16th round of the NFL draft. He played as a lineman for the Packers from 1951 to 1954, appearing in all 48 regular season games during his tenure.
Afflis's wrestling career took off in the 1950s, where he became a dominant force in the ring, earning the nickname "Dick the Bruiser." He held multiple world championship titles, including the AWA World Heavyweight Champion, WWA World Heavyweight Champion, and World Heavyweight Champion in various territories.
He was also an accomplished tag-team wrestler, winning 20 championships alongside his partner Crusher Lisowski. Their partnership is still remembered today as one of the greatest in wrestling history.
Dick the Bruiser was known for his intense feuds with wrestling legends like Lou Thesz, Bobo Brazil, Angelo Poffo, and Classie Freddie Blassie. These epic battles helped shape the landscape of professional wrestling in the 1950s and 1960s.
In recognition of his contributions to the world of professional wrestling, Dick the Bruiser was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021 and the International Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2005.
Today, Dick the Bruiser is remembered as a true pioneer in the sport of professional wrestling, a larger-than-life figure who left an indelible mark on the industry.
After retiring from wrestling, Afflis went on to work as a promoter and helped launch the careers of several future wrestling stars. He passed away on November 10, 1991, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of wrestling fans and athletes.
90 Years Old
A legendary wrestler and trainer who held the WWF Championship for over 11 years, known for his charismatic persona and in-ring prowess.
Born in 1894
Noted for directing and producing classic Westerns, including the 1940 film "The Westerner" starring Gary Cooper, and contributing to the development of the genre.
Born in 1916
A legendary wrestler and trainer who dominated the sport in the mid-20th century, holding multiple world championships and influencing generations of grapplers.
77 Years Old
A charismatic, flashy, and iconic wrestling superstar known for his extravagant ring attire, signature "Woooo!" catchphrase, and 16 world championship titles.
73 Years Old
A flamboyant and charismatic professional wrestler, known for his colorful outfits, intense matches, and iconic wrestling persona, entertaining audiences with his unique blend of athleticism and theatrics.
72 Years Old
A professional wrestler and entrepreneur who became a cultural icon in the 1980s and 1990s, known for his charismatic persona and legendary feuds in the WWF (now WWE).
80 Years Old
A larger-than-life figure in the world of professional wrestling and entertainment, known for his towering size, charismatic personality, and iconic roles in films and TV shows.
76 Years Old
A WWE Hall of Famer and two-time WWF Champion, known for his charismatic persona and wrestling skills that entertained audiences in the 1970s and 1980s.
