If you have attended a few independent wrestling events within the US, you may have noticed more and more Superstars from the 80’s and 90’s working these shows. Chances are, you probably thought most, if not all of these stars from the past were long gone into retirement by now.
However, that is simply just not the case. It’s important to remember these guys came up during a time when the payday was nowhere near as lucrative as the wages are for some of today’s WWE Superstars.
Not to mention the health problems some of these legends are probably facing today, as a result of the bumps they took while entertaining us. Because of that, combined with the fact that most have gone a lifetime without health insurance, which means they will likely be forced to work until they die, just to take care of medical expenses.
Today's list gives you a look at some of the most dedicated of professional wrestling. These men have somehow conquered Father Time and remained in good enough shape to compete with wrestlers a fraction of their age.
They are truly the gems of the industry and are highly revered and respected by everyone in the industry, just as they should be. They are timeless treasures that give hope and inspiration to the young and old. We as fans are privileged to have them with us today.
The passion and undying love these men have for our sport is something worth admiring in itself. Here are the 5 oldest wrestlers who are still performing to this very day.
#5 Nikolai Volkoff: 69 years old
For those who are old enough to recall the big wrestling boom of the 1980s, you definitely remember the big Russian who would sing the Soviet National Anthem before each of his matches.
Nikolai Volkoff made his initial WWE debut in 1970 when the company was still known as World Wide Wrestling Federation or WWWF for short. However, it was in 1984 when he made his return to the company that he truly made his mark.
Together with The Iron Shiek as his partner, and Classie Freddie Blassie in their corner, they would go on to become one of the most feared and physically dominating tag teams in the world during this time.
Nikolai is still competing to this very day. In fact, he has now been wrestling a total of 50 years now. In 2005, the WWE would induct Nikolai Volkoff into the WWE Hall of Fame.
One interesting side note about Nikolai that you may not be aware of involves a Marion Ohio indie appearance in 2013. Volkoff was set to take on another wrestling legend; Bobby Fulton of The Fantastics. Unfortunately, the promoter was unable to secure a wrestling ring in time for the show.
Being the true professional that Nikolai is, he rallied the workers in the dressing room, stressing to them that the show must somehow go on. The pulled an old gym mat out to the center of the floor and that would serve as their “ring” for the evening.
#4 Bushwacker Luke: 70 years old
At 70 years old, Bushwacker Luke is still high-stepping to the ring, with his arms rocking up and down and if you're not careful, he might lick your forehead too!
As of 2017, Bushwacker Luke has been wrestling for roughly 55 years now. He is one-half of one of the most entertaining and comical tag teams of all-time. Unfortunately, his partner, Bushwacker Butch was forced to retire completely due to health problems and a neck injury.
Nevertheless, Luke not only keeps a full schedule but also operates his gym, which happens to be right above Hulk Hogan’s Beach Shop in Clearwater, Florida. In 2015, the Bushwackers took their rightful place among the immortals, as they were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
#3 Jimmy Valiant: 74 years old
Old school fans will probably remember him best as the “Boogie Woogie Man.” Jimmy Valiant is a man who came along years ahead of his time. He was and still is one of the most energetic, charismatic and entertaining performers in the world.
Jimmy was born and raised in the heart of middle Tennessee, but his reach in the professional wrestling world has stretched all across the United States, and around the world. Jimmy has had success in multiple promotions during the height of the great territory era.
He has competed everywhere from World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) to Jim Crockett and beyond.
Despite being in his mid-seventies, you'd be very surprised to see his schedule. Jimmy continues to not only travel but actually work shows all across the country, with a heavy emphasis on the southern US states. Fans throughout Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas are now used to seeing Jimmy on a regular basis.
#2 Mil Mascaras: 74 years old
Throughout the Mexican professional wrestling scene, there are three primary wrestlers who are revered above all. They are appropriately called “The Big Three” and they are the Blue Demon, El Santo and of course, Mil Mascaras.
His ring name is Spanish for “Thousand Masks’ and in keeping kayfabe as pure as possible, Mascaras has done his diligence to never be seen without a mask covering his face, which is a sacred tradition in the Lucha Libre world that is taken very seriously.
During his career, which has spanned well over five decades, Mil Mascaras has compiled a laundry list of accolades, with one of his biggest coming in 2012 when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and just in case you are wondering, yes, he was wearing a mask during his induction speech.
#1 Dory Funk Jr.: 76 years old
As a member of the legendary Funk family, Dory Funk Jr has certainly earned the right to settle down and take it easy in his golden years. However, remaining true to the Funk name, Dory does things his way and it's very likely that he will be wrestling into his eighties, possibly beyond.
If you were to take a weekend trip down to the city of Ocala, Florida, you will probably have an opportunity to watch Dory’s wrestling promotion at work. Dory owns and operates a wrestling school called The Funking Conservatory, as well as his wrestling promotion called BANG!, which is a connection to the school.
Be aware that if you do catch one of his Saturday night BANG! TV taping’s, you will probably also see the 76-year-old Funk in action, right along with the guys and gals a fraction of his age. Some of the current and former wrestlers who were trained by Dory include Edge, Kurt Angle, Lita, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy and William Regal to name a few.
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