When you think of the heyday of British wrestling, two names inevitably come to mind: Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks. These two giants of the ring weren’t just wrestlers; they were cultural icons who made British wrestling a must-watch phenomenon during the 1970s and 80s.
The Rise of Big Daddy
Big Daddy, whose real name was Shirley Crabtree, was a massive figure both in size and popularity. Standing at 6’6″ and tipping the scales at over 350 pounds, Big Daddy was a sight to behold. His wrestling career kicked off in the 1950s, but it was in the 70s, with the advent of ITV’s “World of Sport,” that he became a superstar.
Big Daddy’s charm lay in his ability to connect with the audience. With his friendly demeanor and catchphrase “Easy! Easy!”, he became a fan favorite. His signature move, the “Big Daddy Splash,” was a crowd-pleaser, often leaving his opponents flattened and the audience roaring with approval.
Enter Giant Haystacks
On the other side of the ring was Giant Haystacks, born Martin Ruane. If Big Daddy was big, Giant Haystacks was colossal. Nearly 7 feet tall and over 600 pounds, he was an intimidating presence. His menacing look and fearsome growls made him the perfect villain to Big Daddy’s hero.
Giant Haystacks’ career paralleled Big Daddy’s, gaining momentum with the rise of televised wrestling. Their encounters were legendary, drawing massive TV audiences and becoming the stuff of wrestling folklore.
The Epic Rivalry
The Big Daddy vs. Giant Haystacks rivalry is one of the most memorable in British wrestling history. Their matches were not just physical battles but dramatic spectacles that captivated audiences. The classic storyline of good versus evil played out perfectly, with Big Daddy as the beloved hero and Giant Haystacks as the fearsome villain.
One of their most famous showdowns, and their only One on One match, took place in 1981 at Wembley Arena with the Dale Martin Extravaganza 1981. It was a packed house and the atmosphere was electric. Fans were on the edge of their seats, watching these two titans clash in a match that would go down in history.
Cultural Impact
Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks weren’t just wrestlers; they were part of British pop culture. Their matches were a staple of Saturday afternoon television, bringing families together and creating shared memories. Kids idolized them, and their larger-than-life personas made them household names.
Big Daddy’s friendly, approachable character and Giant Haystacks’ menacing villainy made them perfect for the roles they played. They weren’t just athletes; they were entertainers who knew how to work the crowd and keep viewers coming back for more.
Legacy
Even after their peak years, the legacy of Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks lives on. They set the bar for what it meant to be a wrestling superstar in Britain. Their influence is still felt today, inspiring new generations of wrestlers and fans alike.
In the end, Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks did more than just wrestle; they created a cultural phenomenon. Their epic battles, unforgettable characters, and ability to engage audiences made them legends of British wrestling. Their impact is still felt today, reminding us of a time when wrestling was a major part of British entertainment.
