While there were other Superstars with massive physiques that simply could not back up their look with legitimate power, Smith was the total package. Early in his career, he had a chiseled-yet-modest physique as part of the British Bulldogs tag team. While partner the Dynamite Kid was a great technician and a speedy, agile worker, Smith complimented him perfectly with displays of strength and power that regularly popped the crowd. His standing vertical suplex was breathtaking, especially given the amount of time he was able to keep his large opponents hoisted in the before bringing them crashing to the mat. His running powerslam finished off even the top Superstars. By 1990, Smith returned to WWE after a two-year hiatus and set out on a singles career that saw him recognized as one of the most powerful stars in the industry. With an anything but organically enhanced body, Smith became embroiled in a feud with fellow jacked performer Warlord over who the strongest man in WWE really was. They met in numerous matches, including a very good one at WrestleMania VII, all of which Bulldog won. A staple of mid-90s WWE, Bulldog utilized a more power-based offense in the second-half of his career, sometimes at the expense of the quality of his ring work. Still, he was a highly recognizable star who helped guide WWE during a lull in the business. Unfortunately, his demons got the best of him and in 2003, he passed away at the age of 39.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
