7080 The life of John Tenta, the Earthquake, and the heroes of WWF professional wrestling.

 John Tenta: The Life and Achievements of the Earthquake Professional Wrestler

Professional wrestling has always been a sport that's been able to attract a diverse range of personalities and characters. From muscle-bound giants to high-flying acrobats, wrestlers come in all shapes and sizes, with unique gimmicks and personalities. One such wrestler was John Tenta, better known by his ring name, Earthquake. In this article, we'll outline the life and achievements of this professional wrestler, from his early days in the sport to his later life and legacy.

Early Life and Wrestling Career

John Tenta was born in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada in 1963. As a child, he was always larger than his peers and would eventually grow to be 6'4" and weigh over 400 pounds. Despite his size, Tenta was always interested in athletics and played football and rugby in high school.

It was during his time at Louisiana State University that Tenta was introduced to professional wrestling. A friend who was involved in the sport brought him along to a training session, and Tenta was immediately hooked. He would spend the next several years honing his craft, training under some of the best in the business.

Tenta made his wrestling debut in 1987, under the ring name "Big John Tenta." He quickly made a name for himself, impressing fans and fellow wrestlers alike with his agility and strength.

The Earthquake Character

In 1989, Tenta signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he would become known as Earthquake. The character was created by WWF Chairman Vince McMahon and was designed to be a larger-than-life, monster-like figure. With his bald head, thick beard, and massive size, Earthquake was an intimidating presence in the ring.

John Tenta, also known as Earthquake, had a unique and powerful style of play that set him apart from other wrestlers of his time. Standing at 6'6" and weighing over 450 pounds, Tenta's size and strength were formidable. However, it was his agility and athleticism that truly made him a force to be reckoned with.

Tenta's signature move was the Earthquake Splash, a jumping sitdown splash that was devastating to opponents. He also had a powerful finishing move called the Canadian Earthquake, which involved lifting his opponent into the air and then dropping them down onto the mat. Tenta was known for his ability to lift even the largest wrestlers with ease, and he often used this strength to his advantage in the ring.

In addition to his impressive physical abilities, Tenta was also known for his larger-than-life personality. He often played the villain in matches, taunting and intimidating his opponents with his size and aggression. However, he also had a sense of humor that endeared him to fans, and he was known for his catchphrase "I'm not a wrestler, I'm a natural disaster!"

Tenta's style of play was a combination of power, agility, and showmanship. He was a true entertainer, and his matches were always exciting to watch. Whether he was taking on fellow wrestlers or teaming up with them in tag team matches, Tenta always brought his A-game and left it all in the ring.

As Earthquake, Tenta became one of the most popular and successful wrestlers of the early 90s. He was involved in high-profile storylines and feuds, including one with fellow wrestler Hulk Hogan. Earthquake's signature move, the Earthquake Splash, was feared by opponents and loved by fans.

Transition to Sumo Wrestling and Return to Wrestling

In 1994, Tenta retired from wrestling and began training to become a sumo wrestler. He would eventually become the first non-Japanese wrestler to achieve the rank of Ozeki, one of the highest ranks in the sport.

However, Tenta's time in sumo wrestling was short-lived, and he would return to professional wrestling in 1996. He signed with rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he would continue to perform as Earthquake.

Later Life and Legacy

Tenta retired from wrestling for good in 2006, after a career that spanned nearly 20 years. He would go on to work as a commercial fisherman and later as a real estate agent in British Columbia. Sadly, Tenta passed away in 2006 at the age of 42 due to bladder cancer. He left behind a wife and three children.

Despite his relatively short career, John Tenta made a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling. He was known for his larger-than-life personality, incredible athleticism, and signature moves. His Earthquake character was one of the most beloved and feared in the sport, and his legacy lives on today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Tenta's life and achievements as a professional wrestler were nothing short of impressive. He overcame physical limitations to become one of the most successful and recognizable wrestlers of his time. His impact on the wrestling industry is still felt today, and he will always be remembered as Earthquake.

FAQs

What was John Tenta's signature move?A: John Tenta's signature move was the Earthquake Splash, a jumping sitdown splash that was devastating to opponents.

How did John Tenta get into professional wrestling?A: John Tenta was introduced to professional wrestling by a friend during his time at Louisiana State University.

What was John Tenta's biggest feud?A: John Tenta's biggest feud was with fellow wrestler Hulk Hogan, which culminated in a match at the 1990 SummerSlam event.

What was John Tenta's career outside of wrestling?A: After retiring from wrestling, John Tenta worked as a commercial fisherman and later as a real estate agent in British Columbia.

What was the cause of John Tenta's death?A: John Tenta passed away in 2006 at the age of 42 due to bladder cancer.