WCW was once the top wrestling program on television. With stars like Sting, Hollywood Hogan, and Ric Flair, the company saw some of the greatest moments in the history of wrestling. Many WCW stars grew to fame earlier in their career like Rey Mysterio who debuted in the company at age 22.
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WCW was also full of great stars who started wrestling after their 20s. These performers not only defied expectations by entering the ring at a later stage in life, but they also managed to find a place in WCW. This list will examine 10 WCW wrestling and non-wrestling stars that broke into the business much later than many would expect.
10 Vader - 30 Years Old
Vader was a dominant force in WCW, winning multiple championships including the WCW World Heavyweight Championship 3 times. He also feuded with Sting and Ric Flair in game-changing matches. Vader's signature move, the Vader Bomb, was feared by opponents and hyped by fans. Although he is a WCW legend, a wrestling all-star, and a WWE Hall of Famer, Vader didn't set foot in the ring until he was 30 years old, in 1985.
9 Kevin Nash - 31 Years Old
Kevin Nash changed the landscape of wrestling when he helped form the nWo with Scott Hall and Hollywood Hogan. He became one of the biggest stars in the history of WCW winning the WCW World Title 5 times and the tag titles 9 different times. Nash didn't start wrestling until he was 31 years of age, having several crappy gimmicks in his first WCW run, before joining WWE as Diesel and eventually coming back to WCW down the road.
8 Stevie Ray - 31 Years Old
Stevie Ray is one half of arguably the best tag team in the history of WCW, Harlem Heat. He and Booker T won the WCW tag titles 10 times at the company. He arrived to the world of wrestling at 31 years and didn't debut in WCW until he was 35 years old.
7 Goldberg - 31 Years Old
Goldberg's career in WCW was a meteoric rise to absolute dominance. His undefeated streak and dominant in-ring performances captivated audiences and made him a big name in the world of wrestling, especially during the Monday Night Wars. Remarkably, he didn't make his debut until reaching the age of 30.
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Despite starting relatively late, Goldberg managed to achieve considerable success in the professional wrestling industry. As a 31-year-old in 1998, he finally broke in even winning Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Rookie of the Year award. Goldberg went on to capture four WCW championships, earn the WCW Triple Crown, and add WWE's World Heavyweight Championship to his impressive list of accolades.
6 Eric Bischoff - 31 Years Old
Eric Bischoff was a prominent figure in WCW during the Monday Night Wars. He began as a commentator and later became an executive, playing a key role in the company's success. Bischoff is known for his innovative ideas, including a role in the creation of the nWo storyline and the introduction of the cruiserweight division. Bischoff didn't break into wrestling until he got involved with the AWA in 1986 at 31 years old.
5 Diamond Dallas Page - 33 Years Old
Diamond Dallas Page, began his wrestling career in his mid 30s. He won his first WCW Championship in 1999, becoming a fan favorite with his charismatic personality and "Diamond Cutter" finishing move. DDP's successful career also included tag team and United States Championship reigns.
4 Ernest “The Cat” Miller - 33 Years Old
Ernest "The Cat" Miller may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of his fellow wrestlers in WCW and WWE, but his career was solid. He didn't begin wrestling until he was 33 years old. Before becoming a wrestler, Miller played football in college and was a karate tournament competitor and instructor. It was Eric Bischoff who invited him to join the world of professional wrestling.
3 Jimmy Hart - 34 Years Old
Jimmy Hart is one of the most successful managers in the history of wrestling. He had a successful career in WCW managing several high-profile wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan and the Four Horsemen.
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Hart's notable feuds included those with Randy Savage and Lex Luger. Jimmy Hart didn't break into the wrestling business until he was 34 years old. He joined WCW in 1994 at 50 years of age.
2 Steve McMichael - 38 Years Old
Steve McMichael's delayed debut in professional wrestling, at the age of 38, is easily understandable given his extensive background as a Super Bowl champion and a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle. After retiring from football, McMichael transitioned to WWE commentary but quickly made the move to in-ring competition under the tutelage of trainer Terry Taylor at the WCW Power Plant. He made his debut at The Great American Bash 1996, and eventually became a prominent member of the Four Horsemen.
1 Teddy Long - 38 Years Old
Teddy Long began his career in WCW as a referee before becoming a manager. He managed several notable wrestlers including Doom, Ron Simmons and Butch Reed. Long was also involved in storylines with other managers and appeared on-camera as an authority figure. Long, later, became well known for his WWE career, where he eventually became a WWE Hall of Famer. Long has had an impressive career considering he didn't break into wrestling until he was nearly 40 years old.
