7. The Sheik
There have only been a handful of pro wrestlers in U.S. history as feared and hated as The Sheik. Not to be confused with The Iron Sheik (a legitimate native of Iran), the original model was famous for a brutal, bloody style that saw him main-event around the world against foes such as Bobo Brazil, Bruno Sammartino, Andre the Giant, Abdullah the Butcher, and the Funks. After retiring from the ring, he began to train a new generation of unique grapplers, including Rob Van Dam and his own nephew, Terry "Sabu" Brunk. Though billed as Syrian, Ed "Sheik" Farhat was of Lebanese descent, born and raised in Michigan. He was well-known for his devotion to the wrestling code of kayfabe, dropping his maniac act only around his closest family members. In reality, though, The Sheik was a noble and honorable man during his feud with Brazil, many wrestling arenas were segregated, so Sheik, in a wild mania, would tear down the fencing wire separating the audience sections. African-American fans would then be able to get closer to the ring and cheer on the ultra-popular Brazil. Farhat passed away in 2003, but his legacy lives on, both in the ring and out.