10 Wrestlers You Didn't Know Were Bodybuilders

7. Ivan Putski

Ivan Putski
WWE.com

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.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.