Just when many thought Steele's career might be winding down, he once again rose to prominence. His transformation was remarkable, as one of the most hated men in the sport became one of its most beloved figures. After The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff abandoned him during a match, Steele fell back under the tutelage of the then-beloved Albano. In 1985, however, Steele became a fan-favorite and changed the course of his career. While he never captured a championship, his classic rivalries with Bruno Sammartino, Gorilla Monsoon, Pedro Morales and Bob Backlund saw him come close on numerous occasions. His opponents would then be summarily tossed headfirst into the exposed steel bolt that secured the ropes to the ring post.įor nearly 20 years, Steele was a hated rule-breaker, managed by the likes of fellow Hall of Famers The Grand Wizard, "Classy" Freddie Blassie, Capt. When he wasn't biting his opponents, he could often be seen eating turnbuckles, much to the amusement of the fans. This is not to say that he didn't use his mouth, of course. In a sport where speaking skills sometimes overshadow athletic ability, it's a testament to Steele that he had such an impact without talking. The looks of pain on his foes' faces when he applied the hold remain among the most indelible impressions in the mat game's history. His most devastating hold, however, was his vaunted Flying Hammerlock, which could separate an opponent's shoulder in mere seconds. He clawed at opponents, bit them, and used just about every illegal maneuver ever concocted. At times, his various managers were able to control him, but for the most part, Steele did whatever he pleased. His first WWE appearances took place in 1967, when he came to WWE and began a heated rivalry with champion Bruno Sammartino.īoth inside the ring and out, Steele lived up to his moniker like a true animal, he was virtually impossible to contain. It was during his teaching stint that he began moonlighting in sports-entertainment, working in the Detroit-area promotions. Prior to breaking into sports-entertainment, Steele received his Masters Degree from Central Michigan University and became a high school teacher and wrestling coach in the Detroit area.
While he was always seen as a savage during his WWE tenure, Steele is actually a very well-educated man.
However, with his trademark green tongue, hairy torso and penchant for eating turnbuckles, George "The Animal" Steele might be the most unorthodox man to step foot in a WWE ring. WWE has been home to some of the wildest and most unpredictable Superstars in sports-entertainment history.
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