Often hailed as one of the most popular wrestling platforms in the world, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is undoubtedly followed by millions of wrestling aficionados from every nook and corner of the world. The glorious history of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) company, which spans over decades now, has already been witness to numerous legendary WWE superstars, including John Cena, The Undertaker, Triple H, Randy Ortan, Stone Cold Steve Austin and many others who have left an impact on the WWE arena with their ruthless attacks and unbeatable master moves inside the ring.
Interestingly, a few of these legendary WWE superstars have also gone ahead and proved to be the flag bearers for the respective countries at the Olympic Games. Have you ever wondered about the top four WWE superstars who have established themselves as successful Olympians? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four WWE legends who have become successful and influential Olympians.
Top 4 WWE Superstars Who Became Successful Olympians
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Kurt Angle
The legendary American retired professional wrestler Kurt Angle, who currently works as a sports analyst for the Real American Freestyle (RAF), is at the first spot in our list of the top four WWE legends who also became successful Olympians. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and dominating wrestlers in the history of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) company, Kurt Angle clinched a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Moreover, Kurt Angle competed in the 100 kg (heavyweight) category with a broken neck, which garnered him unparalleled fame and recognition from the millions of wrestling aficionados from all over the world.
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Mark Henry
At the second spot on our list of the top four WWE legends who have become successful and influential Olympians, we have the American former powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, strongman, and retired professional wrestler Mark Henry. Often regarded as one of the most dynamic professional wrestlers of all-time in the history of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) company, Mark Henry also proved to be one of the most significant flag bearers for America at the Olympic Games and garnered immense praise and recognition from hardcore wrestling aficionados for competing in weightlifting at the 1972 Summer Olympics ranking him at the second spot in our list.
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Ken Patera
Next, at the third spot on our list of the top four WWE legends who also became successful Olympians, we have the iconic American retired professional wrestler, Olympic weightlifter, and strongman competitor Ken Patera. The American wrestling sensation Ken Patera clinched a record total of four consecutive U.S. Weightlifting Championships in the super‑heavyweight class from 1969 to 1972 and also won a gold medal at the 1971 Pan American Games.
Additionally, Ken Patera also established himself as the first American ever to clean and jerk more than 500 lbs at the 1972 U.S. Senior Nationals. Interestingly, Ken Patera also clinched a silver medal in weightlifting at the 1972 Summer Olympics, which garnered him a massive appreciation in the world of professional wrestling.
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Rulon Gardner
Finally, at the fourth spot on our list of the top four WWE legends who have become successful and influential Olympians, we have the retired American Greco-Roman wrestler Rulon Gardner. The American wrestling sensation Rulon Gardner clinched a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the 130 kg / super-heavyweight class event after defeating the reigning champion Aleksandr Karelin from Russia, resulting in one of the most major upsets in the history of the Olympic Games. Additionally, Rulon Gardner also clinched a bronze medal at the 1998 World Championships and a gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games, making him one of the most successful wrestlers in the history of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) company.
