10 Wrestlers You Didn't Know Were Bodybuilders
7. Ivan Putski
The 'Polish Hammer' Ivan Putski was one of the WWWF/WWF's most notable strongmen in the 70s and 80s. Built like an action figure, the Kraków native made up for his lack of height (he was only 5' 8") with impressive muscle mass and a likeable, friendly persona that endeared him to fans.
Away from the ring, he was a keen bodybuilder. No sh*t, huh? Just look at the guy.
The unique thing about Putski's bodybuilding interest was that he didn't do it to pose on stage or lather his muscles in baby oil. No, he worked hard to make his body stronger so that he could win various strongman competitions around the world. Things didn't quite pan out for him there, admittedly.
In 1978, Ivan placed eighth (out of 10 entrants) in the 'World's Strongest Man' competition. That was nothing to be ashamed of, and his attention to detail on the gym wasn't wasted. Putski had some of the best peaked biceps in wrestling, and that helped him stand out.