10 Pro Wrestlers Accused Of Heinous Crimes

9. Sam Sheppard

Sam Sheppard's name may not be familiar to most wrestling fans, but his influence in the sport -- and in greater popular culture -- is pervasive. An osteopathic physician by trade, Dr. Sheppard was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife, Marilyn, in 1954. According to Sheppard, though, he heard his wife's cries, then came across an assailant in her room.

In either case, the trial was subjected to what the Supreme Court would later deem a "carnival atmosphere," with jurors potentially contaminated. More than 10 years later, the Court granted Sheppard -- serving a life sentence -- a retrial. He was found not guilty, and in late 1966, he became a free man.

In August of 1969, Sheppard -- now involved with the daughter of pro wrestler George Strickland -- made his debut in the ring as "Killer" Sam Sheppard. Trading off his notoriety, Sheppard was a draw, but in April of 1970, the 46-year-old died of alcohol-related liver failure.

His story, allegedly, was the basis for the TV show (and later, film) The Fugitive, although the creators denied the inspiration. His brief wrestling career is more of a footnote, but he did have over 40 matches in the final eight months of his life, many of which featured his signature hold... the Mandible Claw.