VK Sanju

The whole idea of wrestling conjures up nostalgic memories reminiscent of the film ‘Mutharamkunnu PO’ directed by Sibi Malayil and scripted by Sreenivasan and Jagadeesh. Nedumudi Venu introduces Dara Singh renowned for his portrayal of Hanuman in the popular Doordarshan serial ‘Ramayan’. Dara Singh was once synonymous with gatta wrestling and transcended geographical boundaries, even captivating the hearts of Keralites. He was also one of the first professional wrestlers from India to achieve global recognition.

Spanning from the 1980s through the 90s and as well as the initial years of the 2000s, professional wrestling meant only the behemoth WWE. For enthusiasts, including Malayalis, and irrespective of their age, did not believe that it had characters orchestratedly swaying according to a script. It was literally a collective disbelief. It was only with the transformation of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) into the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) that a gradual realization dawned and the veil got slowly lifted unraveling the previously concealed artistry behind this form of entertainment.

In cinematic stunt sequences, a peculiar phenomenon unfolded as fervent crowds erupted not in traditional applause for the hero, but instead, boisterously invoked the names of icons such as Hulk Hogan, Batista, and Chris Benoit. The antagonists of Edge, Eddie Guerrero, and Randy Orton, in a curious twist, found themselves shrouded in a mysterious delight from spectators. 

In the contemporary landscape of WWE, where aesthetics have undergone a transformation, the once-familiar names akin to Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Shah Rukh Khan are conspicuously absent. Instead, the allure of Ray Mysterio, Rick Flair, and Triple H persists as enchanting echoes in the nostalgic recollections of perennially youthful aficionados. The question echoes: where are they now? Some seamlessly transitioned into the realm of cinema, assuming roles as actors, while others ascended to positions of dominion within the wrestling industry and some left the world. 

The eminent luminary in the annals of wrestling, he sculpted the very ethos of wrestling culture and went beyond the squared circle into the realms of acting, music and the broader entertainment industry. He went bankrupt, following a divorce but reclaimed it all back. He launched an energy drink and also started a website called Hogan Nutrition.

Embarking on a wrestling odyssey that spanned four decades, he collected 16 world championship titles. Rick Flair's wrestling career is inextricably linked to the history of WWE. He withdrew from limelight after his son died due to drug overdose in 2013. He gradually emerged into the scene and later became a professional wrestling manager.

His real name is Mark William Callaway and this titan has 17 championship achievements in a career spanning three decades. After retiring in 2020, he focused on real estate. In many interviews, he declared himself as an animal lover. He has also set up a fund along with his wife to treat and protect animals in a critical condition.

Even in Kerala, this WWE star enjoyed a legion of female admirers. A four-time world champion, he also held the title of WWE Ambassador. He excelled as a TV presenter and actor. One of his standouts was the hunting show, Shaun Michaels McMillan River Adventures, which took the audience on a thrilling journey.

Vincent McMahon, aka Mr. McMahon, was not only a wrestler in the ring, but a masterful administrator too. His influence transcended that of his fellow stars, establishing himself as a kingmaker. He was the Chief Executive Officer of WWE and founder of Alfa Entertainment, a sports and entertainment firm. Besides, he carved a niche for himself as an actor and producer.

David Michael Bautist Jr. has transcended the confines of his wrestling arena Batista to become a well-known film star His cinematic journey has been punctuated with notable performances in films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Riddick. He has proved his prowess with 249 victories in the ring due to excellence in mixed martial arts, and is a luminary who needs no further validation.

A well-known name in the realm of professional wrestling, he captured the attention of enthusiasts from the very inception of his career, initially cast as the son of the legendary Andre the Giant within the arena. However, swiftly asserting his individuality, he forged a distinctive identity as the formidable Big Show. Despite briefly exploring the realm of acting, his heart ultimately led him back to the squared circle, and today, he stands as a prominent figure in the All-Elite Wrestling (AEW).

This anti-hero has perennially been a hot topic of discussion among wrestling fans through the controversies both in and off the ring. In 2007, he was caught using steroids. He has had a tumultuous personal life with a divorce in 2013 and a remarriage in 2015. He also made attempts to pursue a screen career with shows like Deal or No Deal and That's What I Am, but the allure of the ring sees him active in wrestling even today.

Stepping into the illustrious footsteps of his grandfather and father, Dwayne Douglas Johnson entered the ring as Rocky Myvia and later evolved into the electrifying The Rock. He bid farewell in 2019. Today, he is a notable Hollywood actor and a savvy businessman. Dwayne Johnson founded the Rock Foundation to help sick children globally.

Glen Thomas Jacobs, more famously known as Kane, seamlessly transitioned to be the mayor of Knox County in Tennessee. While his political pursuits may not be known to many in India, wrestling enthusiasts remember Kane of WWE. Beyond his foray into politics, he demonstrated his versatility in acting and business.

An epitome of success both inside and outside the ring, he stood out as one of the wealthiest wrestlers of all time. Beyond the successful wrestling career, he was a notable industrialist and actor. He had served as one of the executive vice-presidents of WWE. He is married to Stephanie McMahon, the daughter of McMahon, who was the head of WWE.

The diminutive man who came wearing a mask and captivated his  opponents and fans alike with his acrobatic moves was none other than Oscar Gutiérrez Rubio. Following in the footsteps of his cousin Ray Mysterio Sr, he  entered the wrestling world under his tutelage and won several championships. He remains active in the field.

Considered among the pantheon of the greatest wrestlers of all time, he clinched several championships. However, he had to end his career in 2003 due to a series of injuries. After that, he focused on acting and occasionally makes special appearances in WWE shows.

He embarked on his wrestling career only in 1993 but swiftly ascended to legendary status. Parallely, he focused on music and was a member of the PeroxWhy? Gen band. He later made a triumphant return to the WWE venue.

Adam Joseph Copeland was affectionately known as Edge to his fans. The legendary wrestler has an impressive tally of 31 championships. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the ring in 2020. He has also ventured into many movies and TV shows.

Before entering the wrestling ring, Mark Henry gained international recognition for his exceptional feats in powerlifting and weightlifting, holding multiple world records in these disciplines. In 2011, he achieved a significant milestone in his wrestling career by winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Remarkably, he remains active in the wrestling world.

Like many other legends, Chris Jericho made his mark in wrestling in the '90s. He did not stick to WWE and worked in various organizations across countries, including Japan. By 2019, he joined the All-Elite Wrestling. However, the WWE period was the brightest in his career where he won the World Heavyweight Championship thrice.

The wrestler won the World Championship six times and accumulated a total 21 crowns. After retirement from in-ring competitions, he has been serving as a commentator and promoter. He has authored two books and has also appeared in video games and movies.

The Indian presence at the wrestling venue, this more than 7-ft tall Dalip Singh Rana was an officer in the Punjab Police. He ended his 15-year wrestling career in 2014 and founded his own promotion called Continental Wrestling Entertainment. He returned to the ring in 2017 and continues his screen career in the US and India.

A 16-time world champion, Felix Anthony Cena aka John Cena is the only wrestler to have officially earned the title GOAT (Greatest of All Time). He has also proved his mettle as a rapper and actor. He maintains his contract with WWE. His self-sung entry music You Can't See Me, accompanied by his iconic hand gestures, has become synonymous with his brand and is eternally cherished by his admirers.

Chris Benoit

Wrestling may have a script, but the life and death of superstar Chris Beno proves that many of the blows he got were deadly. Christopher Michael Benoit aka Chris Benoit had the rare distinction of becoming champion several times in his 22-year-long wrestling career. However, tragic events unfolded in 2007 when he committed suicide after killing his wife and seven-year-old son. Subsequent autopsy revealed that he had severe brain damage caused by repeated concussions and head injuries from the ring.