Scott Charles Bigelow, better known as Bam Bam Bigelow, was an American professional wrestler who was born on September 1, 1961 and died on January 19, 2007. Bigelow was hailed by Ryan Murphy, a writer for Bigelow’s former employer WWE, as the most natural, agile, and physically remarkable big man of the past quarter-century, while former co-worker Bret Hart described him as possibly the best working big man in the business. But did you know how he became a hero?
Bam Bam Bigelow once saved three children from a burning house. He was seriously injured in the process of rescuing them and over 40% of his body was burned, but he had no regrets about his heroic act.
Bam Bam Bigelow’s Professional Wrestling Career
Between 1987 and 2001, Bigelow wrestled for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the World Wrestling Federation, World Championship Wrestling, and Extreme Championship Wrestling. Bigelow was the face of seven pay-per-views: the first Survivor Series in 1987, Beach Brawl in 1991, King of the Ring in 1993 and 1995, WrestleMania XI in 1995, and November to Remember in 1997 and 1998. (Source: Pro Wrestling Stories)
Bam Bam Bigelow’s Unique Wrestling Style and Persona
Bigelow was known for his uncanny nimbleness given his height and weight, according to Michael McAvennie. He was described by Jake Black as a powerful giant who could move like a cruiserweight, capable of cartwheels, forward rolls, and dropkicks.
Bigelow was a phenomenon when he came into pro wrestling in 1986. He is the Beast from the East.
Dave Meltzer
Michael Ball, on the other hand, described his character as a punk. For he had a striking appearance, with a huge frame, shaved head, 19 tattoos including diverse animals and legendary creatures on his arms, a fireball on the top of his head, a goatee, a missing front tooth, and perpetually narrowed eyes.
Initially battling in black cut-off shorts and a cut-off t-shirt with I Am Monster emblazoned on the back, he began wearing flame-themed clothing after joining the World Wrestling Federation in 1987, a motif he kept for the rest of his career. (Source: Pro Wrestling Stories)
Did Bam Bam Bigelow’s Also Dabble in Mix Martial Arts?
Bigelow faced Kimo Leopoldo in a mixed martial art match promoted by U-Japan in Tokyo on November 17, 1996. He was dominated throughout the fight and eventually succumbed to a rear-naked choke in the first round.
Bigelow claimed in a 1998 interview that he was asked to throw the fight and that he was paid $100,000 for it. (Source: Pro Wrestling Stories)
How Controversial Was Bam Bam Bigelow’s Life?
Bigelow was arrested several times as a young man on accusations such as aggravated violence, attempted kidnapping, criminal restraint, narcotics possession, robbery, and sexual assault. He spent nine months as a youngster in the Albert C. Wagner Youth Correctional Facility and was later imprisoned in Mexico City for six months for unlawfully serving as a bounty hunter.
In 1987, Bigelow married Dana Fisher, an Asbury Park local. Before divorcing in 2000, the couple had three children. Following the divorce, Fisher sued Bigelow for failure to pay child support. (Source: Pro Wrestling Stories)